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March 7, 2005
 
CSX Transportation Enters Voluntary Settlement
 
by HNN Staff
 
Jacksonville, Fla. (HNN) — CSX Transportation (NYSE: CSX) has responded to the issues noted in the New York Attorney General's findings contained in the voluntary settlement announced today. CSXT has put in place processes that further enhance safety at rail-highway grade crossings, and will continue to work to restore the confidence of the citizens of New York in these crossings.
 
The Attorney General and his staff have been important partners in establishing new procedures for notification of local law enforcement regarding crossing issues, and establishing a fund to pay for those instances when such services are needed.
 
Over the past year, CSXT has implemented a grade-crossing action plan that includes signal and/or track maintenance work at 143 crossings, as well as the complete rebuilding of some of those crossings. All of this work - including new internal procedures phased in over the past year - has been focused on averting grade-crossing tragedies. These actions will continue under this voluntary agreement.
 
Specifically, CSXT has:

• Completed signal and/or track maintenance work at 143 crossings, including the complete rebuilding of some of those crossings.
• Deployed an electronic means of recording crossing warning device inspections and tests.
• Relocated the company's 24-hour Police Communications Center to the Network Operations Center to facilitate and coordinate company response to reports of crossing malfunctions.
• Provided additional and revised instructions concerning appropriate response to reports of crossing malfunctions.
• Provided enhanced review of train crew performance.
• Continued to participate in the Monroe County Task Force to enhance communication with local public officials regarding crossing safety and other issues.

CSX Transportation acknowledged and appreciated that the Attorney General was a partner in many of the actions that it has taken. Highway-rail grade crossing incidents on the CSXT network have declined by more than 27% in the last decade, and CSXT stated it will continue to devote significant resources to further improvements in grade-crossing safety.