FUD Wrote:
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> The issue, really, is competition. The question is
> on what scale that competition will occur. And the
> immediate target is probably the KCS soap opera.
> To me, the original proposal (CP+KCS) made the
> most sense from a competition standpoint; CN
> already has 3-coast access, as would any "final
> merger" combination of US eastern and western
> railroads. CP doesn't. So a CP-KCS merger provides
> more potential competition between railroads than
> CN-KCS. In fact, if CN-KCS goes through, I predict
> the complete demise and liquidation of CP within
> 10-15 years.

You have it right on. CP/KCS really made the most sense of any merger. CN/KCS makes no sense whatsoever and will have to be loaded with giveaways to even have a chance of approval.

KCS needs to go. As a stand alone system, it makes almost zero sense, and relies on trackage rights to connect its system in so many places. It really does seem like a railroad that is "allowed" to survive.

The Mexican franchise is the strongest selling point, and the ability to get Canadian oil down to the Gulf Coast. Outside of that, there's just not much to it. Bust it up and get it over with.