Maine Switching Services to operate Rockland Branch Railroad

The Maine Department of Transportation has selected Maine Switching Services (MSS) of Unity to take over operations and maintenance of the Rockland Branch Railroad.

MSS is a privately owned railroad services company that provides rail-car repairs in Unity and performs industrial rail-car switching for paper mills in Rumford and Skowhegan. The company already operates on the state-owned Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad in cooperation with the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railway, MaineDOT officials said in a press release.

MSS officials intend to resume freight service to existing rail customers on the Rockland Branch in spring and offer scenic train rides and rail excursions by fall. This will preserve active rail service while MaineDOT continues to evaluate significant bridge infrastructure needs on the line, state officials said.

MSS's proposal does not involve providing host railroad services for an Amtrak Downeaster extension on the Rockland Branch Railroad, they added.

MaineDOT and MSS will now enter into negotiations on a lease and operating agreement over the next 60 days while MSS obtains operating rights from the Surface Transportation Board and seeks other required certifications.

The Rockland Branch Railroad is a 56-mile-long, state-owned rail line that runs from Brunswick to Rockland. Service on the line had previously been operated by Midcoast Railservice Inc. until August 2024.

"We believe Maine Switching Services has the experience necessary to provide high-quality freight service for customers on the Rockland Branch Railroad," said MaineDOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note. "We look forward to growing our partnership with MSS as we work together to overcome the challenges created by the closure of the major freight shipper on the line — Dragon Cement in 2024."

MaineDOT posted a request for proposals for the Rockland Branch line in September 2024. MSS was one of five respondents to the request.