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  • Was the Line in MA Sold to the Commonwealth?

  • Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in New England
Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in New England

Moderators: MEC407, NHN503

 #1303691  by Engineer Spike
 
I saw something about the line in MA being sold to the Commonwealth. Any truth to it? If Housatonic did that, they could lease of be designated operator, and forgo the tax expense. The Commonwealth may also fund some track repair.
 #1303795  by F-line to Dudley via Park
 
The line ownership transaction has been consummated and approved by the STB (as well as the transaction for the abandoned Coltsville Industrial Track). MassDOT is now the track owner to the state line just like CDOT is the track owner from New Milford to the state line and on the ex-CNE stub in North Caanan. Housy's still the designated operator and as firmly entrenched as operator as they were before, but passenger rights can go to an outsider and it gives Massachusetts some measure of control. Gov. Patrick's idiotic Berkshire Rail fantasy pitch is probably going to die a quiet death when he leaves office in 2 months, but the more immediate upshot is that the state can strongarm Housy to let Berkshire Scenic return to the rails. And now can perform state-initiated track inspection like it does on all other state-owned freight-only lines, so Housy can no longer hide its atrocious safety record like they did when they were private owners. If they're operating unsafe track, they're going to be called out on it now and have to live up to their maintenance responsibilities. The only private trackage left where they can continue sweeping that under the rug is the Maybrook and Danbury-New Milford.
 #1304531  by NH2060
 
F-line to Dudley via Park wrote:but the more immediate upshot is that the state can strongarm Housy to let Berkshire Scenic return to the rails.
Aren't they relocating to the North Adams Branch? Or is that just a secondary operation?
 #1304611  by Backshophoss
 
The N Adams Branch was the "fallback" operation,untill BSRY and HRRC "disagreement/embargo"was settled.
That trackage is under MassDOT control. BSRY equipment was stuck in the sidings near the Museum,
not allowed to move on then HRRC owned/controlled trackage.
Now under MassDOT,HRRC retains freight rights,BSRY will be given the passenger rights.
HRRC will be told to allow BSRY trains to run,as long as they are compliant on the rules and the
equipment is safe to operate.(per FRA rules,NOT HRRC's rules)
The "pipe dream" of Danbury-Pittsfield service will not happen under HRRC,
a LONG shot at best wilh a joint agrement MassDOT(via MBTA)and ConnDOT(via MNR)
in the future...
 #1304825  by BandA
 
So, how will the BSRY (is that their reporting mark?) move their equipment from their siding to North Adams? By truck? Via HRRC as freight? Drive it on the HRRC as passenger service & interchange to HRRC at the state line, then some kind of roundabout routing to get to North Adams? Gonna be hilarious when the equipment derails and gets damaged.

When does Mass DOT send the inspection car? More hilarity!
 #1305666  by DutchRailnut
 
I am sure they did, doubt HRRC would do it for free after all battles.