FOR RELEASE
Contact: Dennis Watson
08/01/2000 (Tuesday)
(202) 565-1596
No. 00-33
FIRS 1 (800) 877-8339
www.stb.gov


SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD RECEIVES CSX'S & NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S FALL PEAK OPERATING PLANS AS PART OF BOARD'S MONITORING OF THE "CONRAIL MERGER"


Surface Transportation Board (Board) Chairman Linda Morgan announced today that the Board has received plans from both the "CSX" and "Norfolk Southern" (NS) railroads for their respective handling of anticipated peak transportation demands typical of the autumn shipping season (Fall Peak) beginning in September. These plans include an analysis of carload projections and train operations; capacity analysis; locomotive, equipment, and crew demands; and contingency preparations for unexpected events. In connection with its Fall Peak plan, CSX has also provided a revised set of operational goals, which focus on continued service improvement during the period leading up to the Fall Peak period and build upon goals established for the prior 90-day period beginning in April. As Fall Peak planning is essential for the operations of both CSX and NS and for continued service improvement, the Board sought this information from them.



In addition to its specific Fall Peak monitoring, Chairman Morgan noted that the Board continues its active involvement in monitoring CSX's and NS's operations overall in connection with the "Conrail merger." In addition to the operational metrics that the Board continues to monitor and other information that the Board requests, Board representatives have regular weekly discussions with CSX and NS officials, as well as discussions with officials of other railroads, regarding solutions to service concerns. The Board also works with railroad employees who raise concerns about operational issues. In addition, the Board's Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE) continues to work directly with shippers to resolve informally their service concerns. Shippers requiring OCE's assistance may telephone (202) 565-1573 or fax information to (202)565-9011 or -9012.



CSX's and NS's Fall Peak plans will be placed in the Board's official docket for the Conrail transaction, the case entitled CSX Corporation and CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation and Norfolk Southern Railway Company--Control and Operating Leases/Agreement--Conrail Inc. and Consolidated Rail Corporation, STB Finance Docket No. 33388. The plans also will appear on the railroads' respective Web sites.



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