Re: "steve" = "Steven"?

Steven:
That was a great post you wrote. I was one of those displaced by the change of operators. I don't hold any ill will toward Railstar, you guys have done an excellent job operating with the equipment CHS provided. I am concerned about CHS not letting you have a winter maintenance program. My last 12 years were spent in the shop on the winter program. I know how hard that railroad is on equipment. The fact that you have made it through two operating seasons without any more problems than you have had is amazing. Perhaps a winter program last winter would have caught the problem on 12's axle. We thoroughly inspected every car and engine. Every other year we went through the air brake equipment. One of the things I remember from the RFP was the requirement for a budget for everything. We figured if we set up a budget for maintenance and came across a nasty problem that would blow the budget, would CHS allow us to fix the problem by providing additional funds or would that car or engine have to be removed from service. It was never a problem with the GLRR, Inc. if it needed fixing we were told to fix it. Management wanted only first class SAFE equipment for our passengers. I'm hoping that CHS will see the light and allow you a winter program.
Good luck,
John