ATN TasRail TransRail // NR & Freightcorp Privatisation

["KaMaK" <mckinnon@interact.net.au>]

See TRAINS Online Newsline http://www.trains.com/news/Print.shtml for a
report on Wisconsin Central's former CEO attempting to put shareholder value
back into the company by {among other matters}
>> Halting efforts to invest in "highly risky" and "low return"
international rail privatisations.

>> Liquidating or spinning off Wisconsin Central's minority interests in its
overseas rail investments

Regardless of the outcomes of these attempts there can be little doubt that
WC has learnt that such investments are of inadequate return for the risks
and investments involved. No doubt the likes of Rail America and Genesee
Wyoming will have had similar experiences. If nothing else the market value
of NR & Freightcorp are seriously challenged by these developments.

What type of purchasers are likely and will they have the resources both
managerially and financially to revitalise (or should that be initially
vitalise) the organisations. If one or both are purchased by 'road haulier'
dominated corporations or consortiums what is their incentive in purchase,
what is the future for that/those rail freight hauliers in terms of serious
competition to and capturing of freight from road.

Rail freight privatisations that are purely driven to maximise Federal or
State treasurery's sale price are likely to have a long term adverse social
and economic outcome for this country.

What a pity that very few people will care until it's all to late.