AMTRAK NEC: Springfield Shuttle/Regional/Valley Flyer/Inland Routing

I also set up a topic in CSX, and wouldn't be opposed to one in New England. Feel free. This post was specific to the service at hand that we've been talking about (CSX Springfield to Worcester).

gokeefe wrote:Yeah no kidding ... I'm curious if this is the right topic ... Perhaps it should be a separate discussion as "Potential Sale of ex-B&A" in the New England forum especially given the implications for passenger operations beyond Amtrak and the affected freight only branch lines.

Even if it stays in this forum I would imagine a separate topic is in order (same proposed title) given the understandably lengthy discussion that seems likely to ensue.

MassDOT wants CP45 to CP98 in the worst way. They've even mentioned acquiring upto CP150. This may be their opportunity to pick it up. However, I don't realistically see CSX giving it up cheap given their competition with Pan Am/NS.

Still leaves open the question of who the freight operator would be of such a significant line. Fascinating situation on any levels ...

Believe it would be a "toss up" between IP's Mass Central and the Grafton & Upton as best freight operator playing along with MBTA.
Figure on NS finally pulling the "trigger" on PAS takeover from PAR.

Why wouldn't they sell the line & retain Springfield and Worcester yards & freight rights, pocket the cash?

It will depend on how far CSX retreats,to W. Springfield or to Selkirk.

AS for MBTA and MN freight ops,CSX may no longer cross the Hudson River to reach Boston Metro area,or the New York City Metro area.

David Benton wrote:A map would be great , for those of us not familiar with the area.

http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/portals/ ... rogram.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Scroll to page 10, and there you have it.

Backshophoss wrote:Believe it would be a "toss up" between IP's Mass Central and the Grafton & Upton as best freight operator playing along with MBTA.
Figure on NS finally pulling the "trigger" on PAS takeover from PAR.

My money is on a G&W property, whether NECR, P&W, or a new railroad company.

mtuandrew wrote:

Backshophoss wrote:Believe it would be a "toss up" between IP's Mass Central and the Grafton & Upton as best freight operator playing along with MBTA.
Figure on NS finally pulling the "trigger" on PAS takeover from PAR.

My money is on a G&W property, whether NECR, P&W, or a new railroad company.

It's my understanding that G&W was told in no uncertain terms by the STB that they can't have anymore pieces to the pie in New England after acquiring the P&W. G&W overextended themselves on the RailAmerica and P&W deals.

asull85 wrote:It's my understanding that G&W was told in no uncertain terms by the STB that they can't have anymore pieces to the pie in New England after acquiring the P&W. G&W overextended themselves on the RailAmerica and P&W deals.

That is a very interesting piece of information. Thank you.

Just throwing it out there, but: don't rule out private equity as an acquirer. I could easily see a company like Fortress getting involved, particularly if there's the possibility of a public-private partnership providing $$ for passenger-focused improvements.

Hey, who knows-- maybe the successor to CSX on the B&A will be "The Boston & Albany RR, LLC!"

Ridgefielder wrote:Just throwing it out there, but: don't rule out private equity as an acquirer. I could easily see a company like Fortress getting involved, particularly if there's the possibility of a public-private partnership providing $$ for passenger-focused improvements.

Hey, who knows-- maybe the successor to CSX on the B&A will be "The Boston & Albany RR, LLC!"

If that’s so, I expect that title to eventually be appended “...a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Delaware & Hudson Co., an American subsidiary of Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.”

(Or “a subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation” )

BandA wrote:Why wouldn't they sell the line & retain Springfield and Worcester yards & freight rights, pocket the cash?

Part of the goal is to eliminate employees.