Michigan Interstate Railway

The Michigan Interstate Railway Company was formed on October 1, 1977, to operate the Ann Arbor Railroad from Toledo to Frankfort. The AA had declared bankruptcy and was included in the assets of Conrail, formed on April 1, 1976. Just 18 months later, the operations of the AA under Conrail were transferred to the MIRC. The MIRC operated until October 7, 1988, when the Ann Arbor Railroad (1988) assumed operations.

Operations

The MIRC began operations on October 1, 1977, and operated until October 7, 1988. The MIRC was operated by the State of Michigan. With its experienced directors, the MIRC was able to regain lost traffic. In 1982, the MIRC ceased car ferry operations across Lake Michigan. On September 30, 1982, the MIRC ceased operations north of Ann Arbor. The remaining portions from Ann Arbor to Frankfort were split between the Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway, running from Ann Arbor to Alma, and the Michigan Northern Railway, running from Alma to Frankfort. The southern portion of the MIRC from Toledo to Ann Arbor continued to operate until October 7, 1988, when the Ann Arbor Acquisition Corporation assumed operations.

Roster

Upon the formation of the MIRC, the State of Michigan purchased all rolling stock, supplies, and equipment from the Ann Arbor Railroad, which included GP35s, S-3s, and RS-1s. Several of the GP35s were in a state of disrepair by late 1982 and upon the formation of the TSBY, were sold to the TSBY along with several other pieces of equipment. On March 11, 1985, the MIRC acquired three former Conrail GP38s numbered 7771, 7791, and 7802. The MIRC also contracted a long term lease with the Ludington and Northern Railroad to operate SW-8 16.