Ryanontherails wrote:So as I'm sure you've seen already, CSX is selling the B&A main! Obviously this will be to MassDOT. But they also include "all related branches". Does that just include the branches off the B&A from Worcester to the state line? Or all branches east of Worcester as well (which would be the Fitchburg Subdivision and the tracks heading towards Holliston)?
Technically, the wording used in the Trains Magazine on-line article is:
CSX Transportation is reviewing 8,000 miles of rail lines as potential candidates for sale or lease, Trains News Wire has learned.
Further the article says:
The review effort is continuing under new CEO Jim Foote. The first four subdivisions were put out to bid last week, including a pair of routes in Illinois and Florida.
CSX is expected to put a handful of subdivisions on the block every few weeks, according to people familiar with the matter.
So it's possible that, upon further review, CSX will elect not to sell the B&A mainline with its 14 or so daily intermodal and manifest trains. Or as you suggest, maybe CSX will elect to sell a portion of the B&A main track to MassDOT while retaining exclusive freight rights.