PALMETTO, Fla. — Pennsylvania-based Regional Rail LLC has signed an agreement to operate the short line at Port Manatee in Palmetto, Fla. The agreement runs through at least 2036 with options through 2051.
The railroad, which began operation in 1970, includes more than 7 miles of track with a connection to CSX Transportation. It has two locomotives and capacity for 300 railcars. It joins seven other railroads operated by Regional Rail, including three others in Florida.
“Port Manatee is experiencing record growth, including a 53.3% rise in containerized cargo trade for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, while reaching an all-time-high in total cargo tonnage,” Carlos Buqueras, Port Manatee’s executive director, said in a press release. “We envision collaborating with Regional Rail in increasing rail usage for current seaport customers and expanding rail service options to attract new customers and commodities to Port Manatee.”
