Metro-North seeks proposals to revitalize unused rail line

MTA Metro-North Railroad is seeking ideas on how to revitalize a unused rail line that runs east-west across the New York counties of Dutchess and Putnam.

Known as the Beacon Line or the Maybrook Branch, the line connects with Metro-North's Hudson Line in Beacon, proceeds east and connects with the railroad's Harlem Line.

Owned by Metro-North, the line currently is not used for passenger service.

"Perhaps there are ways that the line could be put to use for the benefit of the public that are outside of our mandate as a public transportation agency," said Metro-North Railroad President Joseph Giulietti in a press release. "We want to find out how much interest there is in this real estate and what ideas folks may have that could lead to the revitalization of the line."

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Metro-North's parent agency, has issued a formal request for expressions of interest regarding the line.

The MTA is looking for ideas that would help preserve the line for current or future rail operation, limit Metro-North's ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs of the line, support economic development and public use, and generate revenue for the railroad.

Responses are due Nov. 18.