PRC Advisory Opinion Finds Fault With USPS Post Office Closing Initiative
On Friday afternoon, the Postal Regulatory Commission issued its much-anticipated advisory opinion on the USPS’ Retail Access Optimization Initiative (RAOI). The unanimous opinion reflects many of the criticisms that NAPUS leveled against the plan, in part, citing NAPUS expert witnesses National Vice President Curt Artery and Retired West Virginia Postmaster Rita Zilkinksi. You may view the entire 139-page PRC opinion by clicking on N2011-1.
The PRC concluded that the USPS used unreliable data in identifying the post offices for the RAOI. Specifically, the opinion reported that the USPS did not provide facility-specific information, did not adequately consider community impact, did not take into account how the RAOI coordinates with other USPS initiatives, and failed to identify realistic alternative access postal access points for RAOI post offices. Moreover, the PRC concluded that in many instances alternative channels cannot replace a post office.
In its advisory opinion, the PRC suggests a variety of methodologies that the USPS should consider employing when evaluating its retail network. However, the PRC clearly stated that the methodology used within the context of the RAOI was severely difficient.
PRC Chairman Ruth Goldway filed a concurring opinion, which referenced the new five-month moratorium on post office closures and the continued support for post offices.
It is important to remember that the PRC opinion is advisory; however, it dovetails with the momentum against post office closures. NAPUS will continue to analyze the opinion to evaluate its impact on pending postal legislation.