Western Railroad Discussion > BNSF trackage rights on UP in west TX question

Was looking at the official system map of BNSF from their website and it shows that they have trackage rights on "UP/SP" along the Sunset Route from El Paso eastward to Sierra Blanca, where the line splits to routes for Houston and DFW, but it ends there. My question is obviously why? Why would BNSF need these rights in the first place and why would they end at Sierra Blanca but not continue further east? Seems odd to say the least...

TIA for any replies,
JG

When SP and UP merged, Sierra Blanca was a "competitive" point between the two railroads (SP to San Antonio and former T&P to Ft. Worth).  By agreement (and in anticipation of a regulatory requirement), BNSF got trackage rights to reach Sierra Blanca to maintain competitive rail service.  

Minor correction, prior to UP SP Merger the line between Sierra Blance and El Paso was jointly owned. Both companies had equal access to serve customers on this line segment. This line was a "2 to 1" segment. BNSF obtained access. The UP operates a local once or twice a week. I would assume the BNSF contracts with UP to handle any of there business. 

 

jmhemmer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> When SP and UP merged, Sierra Blanca was a
> "competitive" point between the two railroads (SP
> to San Antonio and former T&P to Ft. Worth).  By
> agreement (and in anticipation of a regulatory
> requirement), BNSF got trackage rights to reach
> Sierra Blanca to maintain competitive rail
> service.  

Kinda same way how BNSF got rights on UP from Denver to Bay Area

Posted from iPhone