R. J. Corman acquires two short lines, commuter-rail service

R. J. Corman Railroad Co. LLC has finalized an agreement to acquire the Nashville & Eastern Railroad Corp. (NERR), Nashville & Western Railroad Corp. (NWR), Transit Solutions Group, a commuter-rail operation, and three related entities.

The acquisition is a big step in R. J. Corman's goal of expanding its "core competencies" said Ed Quinn, president and chief executive officer, in a press release.

"The Nashville & Eastern family of companies have an incredible reputation in the short line industry and with their customers," said Quinn. "The foundation of the company, and its growth through the years, is impressive and we look forward to working together to build on the legacy and continue to grow into the future."

Financial details of the acquisition — which is subject to regulatory approval — were not disclosed. R. J. Corman is expected to take over operations in January 2019.

The Nashville & Eastern family of companies were founded in 1986, marking the start of the restoration of freight-rail operations in central Tennessee. In that year, company President and Founder William Drunsic worked with his partners to lease 110 miles of nearly abandoned track form the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Nashville and Eastern Railroad Authority, forming the NERR.

Since then, Drunsic invested millions of dollars into infrastructure repair and improvements, started up operations of the 18-mile NWR, and initiated commuter-rail service on the Music City Star.

The NERR is a 130-mile railroad, operating on leased track from the Nashville and Eastern Railroad Authority from Nashville to Monterey, Tennessee. The NWR is an 18-mile railroad, operating on leased track from the Cheatham County Rail Authority from Nashville to Ashland City, Tennessee.

Together, the NERR and NWR transport 12,000 carloads annually, interchanging with CSX in Nashville.