NS notes improved service levels since November

Following last year’s operational performance issues due to the harsh weather and high traffic volumes, Northern Southern Railway yesterday reported several metrics indicating that service has been steadily improving since late November.

The Class I has added 320 train and engine employees since then and plans to hire 900 more throughout 2015, according to a service update issued yesterday on the railroad's website. Two-thirds of the worker additions are projected to occur in the first half.

NS also expects to receive 66 additional locomotives by the end of July. The railroad cites the $160 million Bellevue yard expansion in Ohio as one of the reasons for its growing volumes.

The service update also highlighted the company’s $2.4 billion capital improvement program in 2015, which will involve spending $640 million on freight cars and locomotives. NS also has budgeted nearly $1.3 billion for rail, tie, ballast and bridge renewal work, and facility and infrastructure improvements.