Pension Fund Grabs Control of Small Washington Railroad
Published Date: 7/30/2025
Notice
Summary
The OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund and its partners, Jaguar Transport and Jaguar Rail Holdings, are taking control of Columbia Basin Railroad Company, a small but important railroad in Washington. This move adds to Jaguar’s growing family of 11 railroads across several states, helping them expand their reach. The change is official as of July 2025 and aims to keep trains running smoothly without any big cost changes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No labor protective conditions apply
Because this transaction involves only Class III rail carriers, the Surface Transportation Board says it may not impose labor protective conditions under 49 U.S.C. 11326(c). That means the Board will not add statutory labor protections for this acquisition.
Jaguar will take control of CBRW
Jaguar Transport Holdings and related entities will acquire control of Columbia Basin Railroad Company, a Class III railroad in Washington. The exemption allowing the transaction takes effect August 13, 2025, when the parties may consummate the deal.
Interchange with other carriers not restricted
Jaguar states the purchase agreement does not include any provision that would limit future interchange of traffic with third-party connecting carriers. That means CBRW's ability to interchange traffic with other rail carriers is not contractually restricted by this deal.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20455, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Petitions for Declaratory Order and Petitions for Relief Not Otherwise Specified
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting info from folks like shippers, railroads, and communities who ask for official decisions to clear up disputes. They’re asking for your thoughts by December 7, 2026, to make sure the process stays smooth and useful. This won’t cost extra money but helps keep things clear and fair for everyone involved.
2026-20456, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Classification Index Survey Form
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep using its Classification Index Survey Form, which helps track railroad info. This affects railroad companies that don’t file the big annual report, and they’ll spend about 24 hours a year filling it out. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, with no changes or extra costs planned.
2026-20205, Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP, LLC, et al.-Control Exemption-Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad Company
Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP and its affiliates are taking control of the Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad, a freight railroad running about 160 miles in Illinois and Indiana. This change means Pinsly Holdco and Pinsly Railroad Company will now own and operate KBSR, which was previously controlled by the Stroo Family. The deal, agreed on September 16, 2026, expands Macquarie’s rail network without any immediate cost changes announced.
2026-20206, Union Pacific Railroad Company-Discontinuance of Service Exemption-in San Bernardino County, Cal.
Union Pacific Railroad is stopping freight service on a 2.76-mile stretch of track in Rialto, San Bernardino County, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and residents in zip code 92376 but won’t disrupt other rail traffic. The service stop will take effect November 1, 2026, unless someone steps in to keep it running or files a complaint by early October.
2026-19711, CSX Transportation, Inc.-Abandonment Exemption-in Hamilton County, Ohio
CSX Transportation is planning to stop using about 2 miles of railroad track in Hamilton County, Ohio, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and workers, but any employees impacted will get special protections. If no one steps up to save the line by October 8, 2026, the closure will go ahead on October 28, 2026.
2026-19627, 5E SVM Railway Company, LLC-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-Assets of Trona Railway Company LLC
5E SVM Railway Company, LLC is taking over and running a 30.6-mile rail line in California from Trona Railway Company LLC. This change means SVMR will start offering rail service right away, with expected yearly earnings under $5 million. No big railroad status changes or limits on connections with other railroads will happen.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14381, Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Department has finished checking their collection of human remains and found they belong to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means these remains will be returned to the right communities, following important laws that protect Native heritage. If you’re part of these tribes or groups, now’s the time to connect with UTK to learn more or claim the remains.
Next: 2025-14383, OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund, Jaguar Transport Holdings, LLC, and Jaguar Rail Holdings, LLC-Control Exemption-Central Washington Railroad Company, LLC
The OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund and its partners, Jaguar Transport and Jaguar Rail Holdings, are taking control of Central Washington Railroad Company, a small but important railroad. This move adds CWAR to Jaguar’s growing family of railroads, mostly in the U.S., and helps them expand in Washington state. The change is official as of July 2025 and won’t disrupt current rail services or costs.