I am constantly seeing people discussing as to how BNSF has "taken back" those tracks which had been operated by Montana Rail Link. Or that BNSF has "cancelled" MRL's lease. And other very WRONG ways of stating the situation. I'm about sick of reading this repeated foamer nonsense. The correct situation is that MRL is OPTING OUT of their lease- of their own volition. After the dust settles, with BNSF and MRL making the necessary arrangements, (employee considerations, disposition of MRL owned assets, etc), BNSF will be the operator of those lines. It is unknown how soon everything will be ready. No firm date has as yet been set.
WAG. Blabbering stuff to sound important. Who knows? One of the bigger failings in our K-12 system, is teaching a general knowledge of business. Within that would be understanding some basic terminology. That would probably help a lot in this and similar situations.
Your statement is so very true. I get so tired of similar rot here in the east. Frankly, I've had my fill of railfan chatter damning "shareholders" as the root of all evil in railroading. There are a number of us on TrainBoard who are railroad shareholders and I hardly feel like a cigar-smoking fatcat.
It's not the shareholders. It's the fat cats atop the company, who are doing anything and everything to inflate their wallets, plus their ridiculous retirements.
There are many people with giant egos who want to be seen as an authority but, of course, are not. Doug
Amen on that my friend. Stepping away from the business side or railroading, something bothersome that I see on railfan social media are snarky remarks aimed at inexperienced fans with questions. It seems that a few blowhards of the kind you mentioned feel the need to post unkind responses. There's no need for anything like that. Fortunately, most fans are friendly and make up for the dysfunctional few.
Last week, the MRL unions came to a tentative agreement with BNSF. But it is not a totally happy one. As one member related, it was either take it, or BNSF will be doing just about whatever they please, including firing everyone. The entire MRL initiated, voluntary lease termination still must go through review processes by Federal regulators. The union deals, finances, etc, etc. It depends upon how fast they get at it. With the Class One issues ongoing, strike potential and who knows what else in line ahead of this, it is anyone's guess. I have heard rumors of anywhere from end of this year, to later next year. Contacts within MRL HQ are guessing at next Spring. I guess that when it happens, we will know!
Good point! I never considered the federal involvement that may be required. With what's going on with the Class 1s and a potential of a looming strike, this is probably so far on the back burner that it's off their radar.