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Maryland's Board of Public Works has approved a third-party contract with Bombardier Transportation to operate and maintain MARC's Camden and Brunswick lines for the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), Gov. Martin O'Malley announced yesterday.

Bombardier bid $204.7 million for the five-year, eight-month contract term. The contract also includes a five-year renewal option valued at $205 million, according to a press release issued by O'Malley's office.

"We have identified a quality company with a wealth of experience in operating commuter rail service," said O'Malley. "Together with our recent MARC investments including new locomotives, new passenger cars, station improvements and safety enhancements, the MARC system is in better condition today than at any time in history."

The contract replaces one now in place with CSX Transportation. After 30 years of service, CSXT "expressed its desire to focus on its core business, the movement of freight, and end its involvement in passenger-rail operations," the press release states.

The contract covers the operation of service and maintenance of equipment, facilities and rights of way used in providing the service along the Camden and Brunswick lines. MTA will maintain ownership of the rail cars and locomotives, while CSXT will maintain ownership of the track.