<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2000 (unauditied) and the
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended June 30,
2000 (unaudited) and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000874213
<NAME> WISCONSIN CENTRAL TRANSPORTATION
CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> APR-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 1145
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 93158
<ALLOWANCES> 2162
<INVENTORY> 29369
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 127584
<PP&E> 972693
<DEPRECIATION> 126082
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1190060
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 186422
<BONDS> 338343
0
0
<COMMON> 490
<OTHER-SE> 486168
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1190060
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 93027
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 68784
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (263)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 5
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 6016
<INCOME-PRETAX> 18490
<INCOME-TAX> 7325
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 11165
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 7775
<EPS-BASIC> 0.16
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.16
</TABLE>