New operator for the Piedmont & Northern

[ShortlinesUSA]

NCDOT has been searching for a new operator for the Piedmont & Northern in Gastonia, NC after Patriot Rail terminated their operating contract in late 2014. Iowa Pacific Holdings (IPH) has been selected as the new operator. While seeking freight opportunities, it also appears IPH intends on operating passenger excursions, as they do on many of their low-density freight operations among their holdings.

More info here:

http://www.progressiverailroading.co...rn-line--44236

[Joe the Photog]

They have recently announced train rides this holiday season to see the lights in "Christmas town."

[EJ&ESDM809]

Iowa Pacific sure has been on a buying spree recently, that's for sure

[J]

Here is a photo of their operation on the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay

http://www.altamontpress.com/discuss...878#msg-110878

[Joe the Photog]

I'm looking for the link where Progress Rails has bought the Piedmont & Northern. I know Iowa Pacific was looking to sell and now I'm hearing the Progress is moving in next month and while ai trust the source, I can't find any official word. Has anyone else heard?

[ShortlinesUSA]

Progress, or Progressive Rail of Minnesota? Progressive, hopefully-- they specialize in very good marketing and will work as hard as anyone can to build some traffic on this line. They seem to specialize in smaller lines, as well.

[Joe the Photog]

Yeah, what I heard was Progressive Rail. Inc. actually.

[ShortlinesUSA]

I did look around yesterday, including Progressive's website, and there wasn't any info on them operating the Piedmont & Northern.

[ShortlinesUSA]

Here is an official announcement of Progressive Rail as the new operator for the Piedmont & Northern:

http://www.progressiverailroading.co...arolina--52152

[Joe the Photog]

Thanks, Mike. I was wondering about this the other day.

[ShortlinesUSA]

A little more news on Progressive taking over operations. It will be interesting to see what power they bring to the line this fall...

http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20...new-management

[Joe the Photog]

It's been about two months, but I rode by with a friend and found the Progressive Rail SW1500 in Ranlo. I don't hear much about this operation right now. They're on their third operator in less than ten years.

[ShortlinesUSA]

I would say Progressive Rail is as good of a chance as this line has. These low-margin lines are their specialty. If they pull out, I think the next step is the county saying "Well, we tried."