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

It goes on to say, "MSS intends to resume freight service to existing rail customers on the Rockland Branch this spring and offer scenic train rides and rail excursions by this fall. This will preserve active rail service while MaineDOT continues to evaluate significant bridge infrastructure needs on the line. MSS's proposal does not involve providing host railroad services for an Amtrak Downeaster extension on the Rockland Branch Railroad.

A death knell to NNEPRA's years-long plans to expand Amtrak rail service beyond Brunswick to Rockland? Here's TrainRider's president F. Bruce Sleeper"s analysis:

"TrainRiders is pleased that MDOT has chosen Maine Switching Services as the new operator of the Rockland branch.  Although Maine Switching’s proposal did not include hosting Amtrak services on the line, it is our understanding and strong hope that this is because Maine Switching wants to proceed incrementally, first starting with freight service, then progressing to excursion trips, and, finally, introducing regularly scheduled passenger service to the line.  This will allow Maine Switching and MDOT to determine what will be necessary for Amtrak or another operator to provide that last service and make whatever improvements might be necessary to ensure its success.  Thus, we look upon the current award as the first step in the return of regularly scheduled service on the line.  Although this will result in what seems to be a never-ending delay in the initiation of that service, it should lead to better service from day one of its return.  We look forward to that day occurring in 2026."

MDOT went on to say that four other railroads had applied to manage the 56-mile-long Rockland branch.

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