Regionals, Something Between a Class I and the ShortlineClass II railroads, commonly known as Regionals, are currently classified as having an operating revenue of anything greater than $20.5 million but less than $277.7 million, as stated by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). As with Class Is, the operating revenue which classifies Class IIs is periodically updated to meet inflation and other market factors (the latest of these updates occurred in 1992).
Some of the most notable Regionals include the famous Florida East Coast Railway (FEC), a company which has been in continuous operation since the late 19th century and a former Class I before recent changes bumped it to Class II status and the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern (EJ&E), which has also been operating since the late 1800s. Newer Regional operations include the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (DM&E); the "new" Wheeling and Lake Erie (W&LE); the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway (commonly known as the "Susie-Q"); Montana RailLink (MLR); and the Wisconsin and Southern (this railroad has a great story as it has kept alive hundreds of miles of track in its native state that would have otherwise been abandoned and continually gains new business in its ever-growing area of operation).
One other note regarding Class IIs, which also includes Class IIIs (shortlines); while not always the case, these railroads are usually much more open to railfans and anyone interested in seeing how railroads work. Of course, with the aftermath of September 11th and a much more litigious America, long gone are the days of cab rides on all railroads and being able to freely roam across yards and company property. However, these smaller railroads are, in general, much friendlier than their larger cousins and with permission most are more than happy to give you a tour of what they do and how they work. Listed below are a number of Regionals currently in operation today, categorized by the geographic area of the country in which they operated (i.e. north, south, east, or west). To learn more about each simply click on their link. New York Susquehanna & Western Railway (The "Susie-Q") Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway
While many Regionals carry a "down home" feel, many also have operations similar to Class Is in terms of train speeds and regions served. For more information on Class Is please click here.
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