Jaguar Rail Expands Empire with Central Washington Line
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 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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No Labor Protections for Class III Deal
The Board says it may not impose labor protective conditions for this transaction because it involves only Class III rail carriers, citing 49 U.S.C. 11326(c) and related provisions. That means CWAR employees will not receive labor-protective conditions from the Board as part of this acquisition.
Jaguar Says It Will Strengthen Service
Jaguar states the primary purpose of acquiring CWAR is to add it to Jaguar's short line holdings and to promote Jaguar's investment objectives, sustain its railroads' efficiency and financial strength, and its ability to meet customer needs.
Adds Washington Short Line; Effective Aug 13, 2025
The verified notice says CWAR's lines are located in the State of Washington and that Jaguar will add CWAR to its short line holdings; the exemption can be consummated on or after August 13, 2025. This makes Jaguar's presence in Washington larger starting on or after that date.
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