Massachusetts Coastal Railroad (MCRR) announced its acquisition of the assets of the Bay Colony Railroad (BCLR) today. Under the agreement, MCRR will acquire the permanent freight easement to 35 Miles of track currently operated by Bay Colony. In doing so MCRR expands to operate 132 route miles of track and becomes the custodian of an additional 44 miles of railroad track owned by MASSDOT.
“This is an important step forward for efficient, environmentally friendly freight rail service in Massachusetts,” said Chris Podgurski, President and CEO of MCRR. “Hauling freight by rail instead of by truck not only reduces congestion on our roads, but it also significantly reduces greenhouse gases which helps to fight global warming.”
Massachusetts Coastal Railroad partners with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Rail Unit, the MBTA and the railroad’s Class 1 partner CSXT Transportation to provide a crucial rail connection to the National Rail Network that extends into Canada and Mexico.
“Bay Colony currently serves three customers in Dartmouth and Westport, positioning us to acquire some additional rail users, as well,” Podgurski added. “The Bay Colony properties are a welcome addition to our existing 97 miles of track and will enhance our freight shipping capabilities on behalf of Massachusetts businesses and residents.”
“This expansion is a tribute to our skilled employees,” he continued. “The Mass Coastal team members are crucial to the day-to-day operations of the railroad, and this couldn’t happen without them.”
Bay Colony has owned and managed the short line railroad in Southeastern Massachusetts since 1982. Going forward, MCRR will manage the railroad’s daily operations. MCRR applied to the federal Surface Transportation Board for approval for of the transaction, which was granted in December. MASSDOT, which owns the tracks that are leased by the railroads, was consulted throughout the process.
MCRR has continued to advocate for the preservation and expansion of rail transit in Massachusetts. Their existing rail lines are used for the Cape Flyer, Cape Cod’s Polar Express Train and industrial freight shipping for multiple Cape Cod municipalities and private businesses.
About Mass Coastal Railroad: Since 2008, the Mass Coastal Railroad has provided integrated rail freight and logistics services to businesses and industries throughout the South Coast of Massachusetts and Southern New England since 2008. Our railroad operates a network of lines now totaling almost 176 miles of track stretching from Framingham to the Southcoast of Fall River & New Bedford to Hyannis. Learn more at masscoastal.com.
