Missouri short line launches service in St. Louis area

Missouri Eastern Railroad (MER), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jaguar Transport Holdings, began rail operations yesterday.

In January, MER acquired 42 miles of track located in the western St. Louis area. In February, MER then acquired leasehold rights to about 9 miles of adjacent track owned by Union Pacific Railroad. MER's operations run from just west of Union to Overland, Missouri, where it interchanges with the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis.

"We are excited for the opportunity to begin serving customers in the St. Louis area," said Jaguar CEO Stu Towner in a press release. "The railroad's location in the center of the country with access to six Class I railroads, multiple interstate highways, and the Mississippi River offers current and future customers tremendous reach across the United States."

Missouri Eastern is the seventh short line owned by Jaguar, which has partnered with OPTrust, one of Canada's largest pension plans.

Other Jaguar-owned short lines include Cimarron Valley Railroad, Southwestern Railroad, Washington Eastern Railroad, Oregon Eastern Railroad, Texas Eastern Railroad and West Memphis Base Railroad.