shadyjay wrote:Otto Vondrak wrote:You realize that the RDC purchase and the operation of the Adams Branch is in response to Housatonic Railroad refusing to allow the continuation of excursions on the Lenox-Stockbridge route, right?
Oh Otto, I am well aware of the situation. I was just wondering, with the state looking to purchase the "Berkshire Line", if there would be a possible revival of excursion passenger service over the route. At present, it's HRRC calling the shots. If the state was calling the shots, things would most likely be a lot different. They would have to fix up the tracks if they're thinking of "mainline" passenger service, and could probably get a new freight operator.
It's a $35M commitment for track improvements, which sure smells like a plan to get BSRM back on its home rails in addition to running the RDC dinky up in North Adams.
Don't forget, this "FRA violations" accusation HRCC tossed at the museum came right at the start of their high-profile rash of freight derailments. And was never corroborated by the actual FRA. Which makes it most likely that HRCC booted them to keep its own deplorable track conditions from getting them sued by the museum or injured passengers. Not only does the state have leverage to compel them to cooperate now, the actual safety risk very likely goes away with that $35M in repairs. In addition to the state now conducting its own inspections of the line and being able to accurately tell who's been creating or not fixing the safety violations.
Berkshire Line's still stuck with an awful freight operator until HRCC itself chooses to sell out (which no one can count on). But it does have a public line owner now to referee the battles and keep the parties honest when they're in conflict.