Espee99 Wrote:
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> Correct me if I am wrong, but the folks running
> the Big Trees operation is regarded as a common
> carrier so the line at least to their connection
> cannot be abandoned. It might make some sense if
> they took over at least they could get some
> revenue from switching freight in Wattsonville.

Of note, SCBG filed to serve as the operator along the Santa Cruz Branch after UP left and the SCCRTC was looking for a suitable candidate. As I understand it, SCBG's petition was taken seriously but they never picked up the bid, which notoriously went to Iowa Pacific and now Progressive Rail (St. Paul & Pacific). In their proposals, SCBG wasn't keen on the prospects for freight from Watsonville to Santa Cruz and questioned the viability of the line over those miles. But they were interested in the freight side in Watsonville. Interestingly, SCBG outlined a very detailed plan for excursions between Santa Cruz and Capitola (maybe even as far as Aptos, IIRC?) for the "dormant" part of the branch had they been awarded the contract.

Progressive Rail has legitimately given the Watsonville bit a shot and traffic has certainly increased since Iowa Pacific backed out, so there's no real reason to think about SCBG in the freight realm right now.

-Nick