Modesto and Empire Traction Company

This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please help improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (July 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Modesto and Empire Traction

Overview
Headquarters	Modesto, California
Reporting mark	MET
Locale	Modesto–Empire, California
Dates of operation	1911–present
Technical
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
Other
Website	metrr.com
Route map Legend BNSF Stockton Subdivision Franzine M&ET Shops E & J Gallo Modesto Tidewater Southern Railway UP Fresno Subdivision This diagram: view talk edit

The Modesto and Empire Traction Company (reporting mark MET) is a Class III short-line railroad operating in California's San Joaquin Valley. It is owned by the Beard Land & Investment Company; the Beard family has always owned the railroad. The Beards also created the Beard Industrial Park where the MET's customers are located. The railroad was unique in that it had operated for nearly 50 years exclusively with GE 70-ton switchers built between 1947 and 1955; however, a former Southern Pacific EMD SW1500 switcher was added to the roster as of late.^[when?] The MET operates on 5 miles (8 km) of mainline track, as well as an additional 48.7 miles (78.4 km) of yard and industry track, providing switching services in the Beard Industrial Park. The MET interchanges with the Union Pacific (ex-Southern Pacific) at Modesto and with the BNSF Railway Stockton Subdivision (ex-Santa Fe) at Empire.