WASHINGTON – A subsidiary of New York short line Finger Lakes Railway next month will become the operator of the 58.68-mile Rockland Branch in Maine, taking over the lease of the state-owned line from Central Maine & Quebec.
Midcoast Rail Service will lease the trackage from CMQ, which became part of Canadian Pacific in June 2020. The branch runs from Brunswick to Rockland.
The Surface Transportation Board on Wednesday granted the transaction an exemption from board review. It becomes effective on Sept. 8.
This report is misleading– FGLK is not leasing the line from CMQ, it is assuming the lease from the CMQ who has the initial agreement with the State of Maine who owns the tracks.
Indirect payments to CP subsidiary takes away first oversight of Fingerlakes RR by owner. Time to get state (?) or owner direct supervision. If CP then buy the branch for state so proper passenger service can be set up.