UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 5 ANNUAL STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP ( ) Check box if no longer subject to Section 16. Form 4 or Form 5 obligations may continue. See Instructions 1(b). ( ) Form 3 Holdings Reported ( ) Form 4 Transactions Reported 1. Name and Address of Reporting Person Russ, Ronald G. 6250 North River Road Suite 9000 Rosemont, IL 60018 USA 2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation WCLX 3. IRS or Social Security Number of Reporting Person (Voluntary) ###-##-#### 4. Statement for Month/Year 12/31/00 5. If Amendment, Date of Original (Month/Year) 6. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer (Check all applicable) ( ) Director ( ) 10% Owner (X) Officer (give title below) ( ) Other (specify below) Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer 7. Individual or Joint/Group Reporting (Check Applicable Line) (X) Form filed by One Reporting Person ( ) Form filed by More than One Reporting Person

Explanation of Responses: + Option issued under 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan in transaction exempt under Rule 16b-3. DATE February 12, 2001

WISCONSIN CENTRAL TRANSPORTATION CORP 5