<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
September 30, 1998 quarterly consolidated financial statements and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                              JAN-1-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                           1,854
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   95,753
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,794
<INVENTORY>                                      3,969
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               130,094
<PP&E>                                         758,314
<DEPRECIATION>                                 270,389
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 620,176
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          104,869
<BONDS>                                        202,173
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           316
<OTHER-SE>                                     246,825
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   620,176
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               731,098
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  688,694
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              11,861
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 31,968
<INCOME-TAX>                                    12,947
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             19,021
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    19,021
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .60
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .60
<FN>
<F1>Provision for Doubtful accounts included in costs and expenses applicable
to revenues.
</FN>