End of MQT as we know it?

Anything pertaining to railfanning in Michigan.
Deskjockey
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Oct 24, 2024 7:14 pm

End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by Deskjockey »

I know, I hate these kind of posts and the rumors they start.

However, I got some information from a CSX worker that CSX will not renew the lease to MQT rail (G&W).

He went on to say that CSX has even sent hi-rails up the line to ascertain the condition of it.

This is terrible news if true, because MQT is by far my favorite rail line.

Can anyone confirm or deny this tidbit?

User avatar
Saturnalia
Authority on Cat
Posts: 15479
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:54 pm
Location: Michigan City, IN
Contact:

Re: End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by Saturnalia »

MQT's lease is up for renewal soon. CSX has the option to take the line back over at the end of the lease, or they could negotiate with G&W for an extension. These are well-known facts.

What is uncertain and subject to rumor is whether or not CSX will decide to re-acquire or not. It does sound like the MQT is a reliably profitable enterprise with lots of online traffic. Whether or not the economics would still work under a Class One is debatable. CSX does already benefit from having exclusive rights to all traffic off the MQT, so it's kinda nice for them not to have to do the local work but have a bunch of traffic arrive on their doorstep. The juice may not be worth the squeeze to have to do the branchline work in addition.

I would surmise that CSX probably is at least looking into which decision they should make, which would probably include hy-rail inspection trips, evaluation of traffic levels, etc.
Thornapple River Rail Series - YouTube
Safety today is your investment for tomorrow

joeyuboats
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 376
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2019 10:25 am

Re: End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by joeyuboats »

I am on the other side of the state, and have never seen MQT RAIL. But, understand that they have a pretty good reputation, with their customers. I can just imagine CSX taking over MQT, ignoring the customers, and then loosing all the good will, that MQT has built.Personally-- don't like Class 1's, as they tend to screw things up real good. Let MQT be, and all will be OK.

Deskjockey
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Oct 24, 2024 7:14 pm

Re: End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by Deskjockey »

Saturnalia wrote:
Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:11 pm
MQT's lease is up for renewal soon. CSX has the option to take the line back over at the end of the lease, or they could negotiate with G&W for an extension. These are well-known facts.

What is uncertain and subject to rumor is whether or not CSX will decide to re-acquire or not. It does sound like the MQT is a reliably profitable enterprise with lots of online traffic. Whether or not the economics would still work under a Class One is debatable. CSX does already benefit from having exclusive rights to all traffic off the MQT, so it's kinda nice for them not to have to do the local work but have a bunch of traffic arrive on their doorstep. The juice may not be worth the squeeze to have to do the branchline work in addition.

I would surmise that CSX probably is at least looking into which decision they should make, which would probably include hy-rail inspection trips, evaluation of traffic levels, etc.
Thank you for the input.
BTW your video series is incredible.

User avatar
SD80MAC
Ingersoll's Mr. Michigan
Posts: 10754
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 4:59 pm
Location: Grand Rapids

Re: End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by SD80MAC »

While I could see G&W not renewing their lease, I do not see CSX keeping the line. I'm sure if that were to happen (which seems unlikely, first and foremost), they would put it up for bids again. I'd love to see LSRC get it.
"Remember, 4 mph is a couple, 5's a collision!"
http://flickriver.com/photos/conrail680 ... teresting/
Image

User avatar
AARR
Incognito and Irrelevant
Posts: 39302
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:39 pm
Location: Washington, MI

Re: End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by AARR »

:wink: The Hamilton Northwestern Group
SD80MAC wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 10:05 am
I'd love to see LSRC get it.
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...

User avatar
Erroneous Monk
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 301
Joined: Sat Dec 30, 2023 1:35 pm
Location: The Water Tower

Re: End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by Erroneous Monk »

AARR wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 10:09 am
:wink: The Hamilton Northwestern Group
SD80MAC wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 10:05 am
I'd love to see LSRC get it.
Isn't it the same owner as MQT before the sale?

User avatar
AARR
Incognito and Irrelevant
Posts: 39302
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:39 pm
Location: Washington, MI

Re: End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by AARR »

I think LSRC was an original owner
Erroneous Monk wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 11:12 am
AARR wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 10:09 am
:wink: The Hamilton Northwestern Group
SD80MAC wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 10:05 am
I'd love to see LSRC get it.
Isn't it the same owner as MQT before the sale?
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...

User avatar
pudgy
King Ding-a-ling
Posts: 952
Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2005 12:11 am

Re: End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by pudgy »

Erroneous Monk wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 11:12 am
AARR wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 10:09 am
:wink: The Hamilton Northwestern Group
SD80MAC wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 10:05 am
I'd love to see LSRC get it.
Isn't it the same owner as MQT before the sale?
MQT was officially originally set up as a startup, employee owned shortline with no corporate ties beyond it's investors. It was sold to Rail America in 2013? who was then shortly after merged/bought by Genesee and Wyoming in a mega shortline deal. Lake State was an independent and may have recently gotten some corporate backing, but not involved with G&W or Watco, I don't believe.
Just a Fat Guy

User avatar
NS3322
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 1303
Joined: Sun Nov 08, 2015 12:08 pm
Location: CP-LEVITT

Re: End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by NS3322 »

pudgy wrote:
Sat Nov 09, 2024 1:12 am
Lake State was an independent and may have recently gotten some corporate backing, but not involved with G&W or Watco, I don't believe.
Antin Infrastructure Partners

User avatar
Erroneous Monk
Railroadfan...fan
Posts: 301
Joined: Sat Dec 30, 2023 1:35 pm
Location: The Water Tower

Re: End of MQT as we know it?

Unread post by Erroneous Monk »

pudgy wrote:
Sat Nov 09, 2024 1:12 am
Erroneous Monk wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 11:12 am
AARR wrote:
Fri Nov 08, 2024 10:09 am
:wink: The Hamilton Northwestern Group
Isn't it the same owner as MQT before the sale?
MQT was officially originally set up as a startup, employee owned shortline with no corporate ties beyond it's investors. It was sold to Rail America in 2013? who was then shortly after merged/bought by Genesee and Wyoming in a mega shortline deal. Lake State was an independent and may have recently gotten some corporate backing, but not involved with G&W or Watco, I don't believe.
Okay I phrased it wrong, were the same people who started Marquette Rail also the same people behind HNW? I thought that's what I remembers but could be wrong.

Post Reply