Oh, the Rock Island Line is a
mighty good road,
If you want to ride it, got to ride it
like you find it,
Buy your ticket at the station on the
Rock Island Line.
Popularized in a folk song made famous by Leadbelly, the once mighty Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific has sold fewer tickets in recent years. In 1974 it lost $23 million, largely as the result of higher payrolls and a 200% increase in fuel costs. It has tried to merge with the prosperous Union Pacific and has borrowed from its own employees. With much justice, it has lambasted the U.S.
Railway...