I was always under the impression that railroads didn't use the "X" in their MNRX abbreviation. Are they not considered a railroad?

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I guess that would make sense, but does that mean Amtrak has its own mainline somewhere? Maybe the NEC or southern eastcoast?

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I could be mistaken, but I thought the "X" at the end was just to designate non-railroad companies. At least that's how it's used in billing cars to a customer. I don't know if Metro Transit is considered a railroad or just the operator.

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My understanding is that the rail doesn't have to be mainline. You just have to own a certain amount of track in order to qualify. If you don't meet the requirement, then you have to have the "X" in the end.

Douglas
New Brighton, MN

I guess that would make sense, but does that mean Amtrak has its own mainline somewhere? Maybe the NEC or southern eastcoast?


Yes, the Northeast Corridor is the only line that Amtrak actually owns. Everywhere else they run is by trackage rights!

If the owner is not a "common carrier" they get an X. Who owns the cars and locomotives v. who operates it? It would be interesting to see what the blue cards in these locomotives say. MNRX does not = Northstar. It is the reporting mark for the Met Council. Met Council is not a railroad. I would not doubt that these locomotives have a different operator then owner on their blue card. Probably "Metro Transit"... I am going to do some checking and see what I can find.

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Will
CP Superior, WI