The History of MET Railroad
The Beard Family has a distinguished business history in Modesto and surrounding area. We are proud to be able to display, as part of our legacy, a land grant to Mr. Elihu Burritt Beard (the father of our founder, T. K. Beard), dated 1861 and executed by President Abraham Lincoln, for land which today remains in the Beard family. What began in the late 1800’s as agriculture and farmland has evolved into a prosperous, community-respected corporation.
MET Railroad was awarded CRISI grant funding to help fund the upgrade of the remaining 9 locomotives in the fleet to Tier 4 emission standards.
MET Railroad was awarded CRISI grant funding to help fund new track infrastructure, upgrade of 22 crossings, and upgrade of 2 locomotives to Tier 4 emission standards.
MET Railroad was awarded the 2020 ASLRRA Jake Award for achieving a perfect safety record with no reportable injuries.
MET Railroad purchased the first two RailPower locomotives, funded in part by Carl Moyer grant, in 2009. Between then and 2012, a total of 9 RailPower locomotives were added to upgrade the fleet, all of which are still in use today.
MET Railroad's first diesel locomotive was purchased in 1947. The locomotive pictured is a more recent model. While the fleet has since been upgraded, to improve emissions, diesel engines continue to power the MET Railroad fleet.
MET Railroad established a connection to the Southern Pacific Railroad, allowing more service opportunities for area businesses.
MET Railroad's first steam engine was purchased in 1921. The railroad continued to operate steam locomotives until 1952, when they became fully phased out in favor of new, cleaner diesel power.
Passenger rail service ceased. Rail traffic shifted entirely to freight.
Modesto and Empire Traction Co. was incorporated, and the first passenger trip from Modesto to Empire was completed, using a gasoline powered locomotive.
MET awarded CRISI grant funding to help fund new track infrastructure and upgrade of all crossings and 2 locomotives to Tier 4 emission standards.
MET awarded Jake Award for safety.
First 2 RailPower locomotives purchased, funded in part by Carl Moyer grant. A total of 9 purchased between 2008 and 2012, still in use today.
Beard Land Improvement Company was incorporated as a subsidiary of Beard Land & Investment Co.
First diesel locomotive purchased. Continues to operate diesel locomotives today.
Beard Land & Investment Co. purchased 160 acres between Dry Creek and Empire, South of Waterford, known today as Yosemite Boulevard.
Beard Land & Investment Co. was formed by the children of T.K. and Grace Ada Beard as parent company to their shared business interests, including MET.
Connection with Southern Pacific railroad was established.
First steam engine purchased. Continued to operate steam locomotives until 1952.
Passenger service ceased. Rail traffic shifted entirely to freight.
Modesto & Empire Traction Co. (MET) was incorporated, and the first passenger trip from Modesto to Empire was completed, using a gasoline powered locomotive.
