Yes, the state splits the leases into freight and passenger, I suppose they could do both together but then they would have to do that for all their lines (to make it fair). That means the Conway Scenic would also be bidding for freight rights, but they are not a common carrier. We all know the story by now with the Wilton Scenic's possible resurrection but Milford & Bennington Railroad, doesn't have the passenger rights, it has to go out for bid and Pan Am, being Pan Am, supposedly has every intention of bidding for the passenger rights on that line, just to continue to be a constant pain in the side for the Milford & Bennington. So, if this new company wants to start up service that's fine but it will have to go to bid first, which will allow other operators to bid on it, so there's no guarantee they will win it.
It takes real skill to choke on air, fall up the stairs and trip over nothing. I have those skills.