RailNews

The Columbia Basin Railroad in Eastern Washington has long been popular with railroad enthusiasts because of its fleet of SD9 locomotives. A trio of EMDs lead a Columbia Basin local toward the BNSF interchange at Connell, Wash., in October 2021. Photo by Justin Franz.

Jaguar to Acquire Columbia Basin Railroad

Jaguar Transport Holdings is seeking to acquire two short lines in Washington, the Columbia Basin Railroad and the Central Washington Railroad. The holding company filed a notice of exemption with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board on July 14. Jaguar hopes to complete the transaction in mid-August.

The Columbia Basin and Central Washington are family-owned short lines operating on former Northern Pacific and Milwaukee Road trackage. The Columbia Basin is particularly popular among railfans thanks to its eclectic fleet of EMD SD9 locomotives.

Jaguar operates 11 different short lines around the country, including the neighboring Washington Eastern Railroad, another former NP branch line. Jaguar was founded in 2018 by industry veterans Stu Towner (who serves as chief executive officer) and Terrance Towner (executive chairman).

—Justin Franz