John L. Atkins III, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Our mission statement opens with the charge “to maximize the value of the North Carolina Railroad Company’s properties for the people of North Carolina…”. We do this by always seeking to improve the railroad. Through our investment in capital improvement projects on the rail line, we are increasing its capacity to carry more trains.
Improvements will also allow these trains to go faster, moving people and products at a speed that is competitive with car and truck travel. By increasing efficiency on the line, we are increasing the value of the NCRR.
The next part of our mission statement instructs us “how” to maximize the value of the rail line: “through partnerships that drive economic growth, enhance freight and passenger service…”. To that end, we are working closely with local, state, regional and national economic developers, NC Department of Commerce and officials in communities along the line to develop and preserve rail sites and encourage businesses to locate or expand along the NCRR. By connecting businesses to reliable and efficient rail service, the NCRR is bringing— and keeping—jobs in North Carolina.
We are also partnering with Norfolk Southern, our freight operator, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division, who operates Amtrak service on the NCRR line, to optimize the line for freight and passenger rail use and to strengthen the state’s transportation system. Freight and passenger traffic both continue to grow. Through investments and strategic partnerships, we are expanding transportation options to give passengers and businesses more choices.
But as rail business increases, so too does the risk for trains to encounter vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Our mission directs us to not only maintain safe practices but to improve safety. Our staff works closely with Operation Lifesaver, educating the public through safety trains and safety blitz programs in communities along the line. In 2010, NCRR and OL partnered with the NC Outdoor Advertising Association on a PSA billboard campaign to raise citizen awareness to “always expect a train” when driving or walking near a railroad. We are helping foster rail safety awareness and understanding through the use of innovative marketing and creative partnerships.
The last phrase of our mission challenges us to “respect the natural environment.” Train transport uses less fuel and has a smaller carbon footprint than truck transport. Taking trucks off the road helps improve air quality and relieve traffic congestion. Rail use is increasing and will continue as gas prices rise and traffic congestion builds.
In these ways, our mission statement serves as a sort of corporate GPS, keeping us on course to play a key role in a strong state transportation system. We are providing a path for efficient, reliable, safe and clean mobility for the 21st Century, and putting progress on the line.
John Atkins
Chairman of the Board of Directors
North Carolina Railroad Company
This message is taken from the North Carolina Railroad 2010 Annual Report