Freight railroads performed well under terrorism's pressure, STB's Morgan says (9/17/2001)
9/17/2023Freight railroads effectively stepped up safety and security measures, and admirably offered to assist rescue operations in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, said Surface Transportation Board Chairman Linda Morgan in a Sept. 14 prepared statement.
For example:
• Union Pacific Railroad Sept. 12 announced a dollar-for-dollar match of employee donations to the Red Cross and Salvation Army, and plans to send donated medical supplies to New York City and Washington.
• Norfolk Southern Corp. Sept. 13 offered at no charge to provide and move up to 1,000 heavy-duty rail cars to help New York state and city officials remove non-hazardous construction and demolition debris from the devastated World Trade Center site.
• More recently, Canadian National Railway Co. Sept. 17 announced a dollar-for-dollar match up to a $250,000 maximum of employee and pensioner/retiree donations to the September 11th Fund — established by the United Way and New York Community Trust to aid victims and families.
Morgan also commended the surface transportation industry and its employees for helping ensure that U.S. commerce continues as smoothly and safely as possible.
She noted rail efforts to continue providing customers vital service as well as extensive operational planning undertaken by railroads, including heightening military preparedness, enhancing rail facility security and ensuring employees' well-being.
Railroads undertook various cooperative initiatives designed to ensure that surface transportation and other needs are met. Because the Northeast region was affected by the attacks, Morgan specifically acknowledged the efforts of those railroads involved in the region's transportation.
Overall, the rail industry maintained its service and safety focus while responsibly dealing with last week's challenges, said Morgan, adding that she's confident that focus will continue in the future.
Source: Progressive Railroading Daily News