For Regional Rail LLC, A New Florida Ops Agreement

Regional Rail LLC, a short line holding company based in Kennett Square, Pa., has been selected to operate Florida’s Port Manatee Railroad, effective Dec. 1.

Port Manatee on Nov. 4 reported reaching an agreement with Regional Rail to operate the seaport-owned line through 2036, with options through 2051. Regional Rail runs seven other U.S. short lines, including three others in Florida (Florida Central, Florida Midland and Florida Northern), with more than 550 total miles of track. Manatee County Port Authority approved the agreement on Oct. 21.

The Palmetto-based port is near the entrance to Tampa Bay in west-central Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico. Its 7-mile line connects to CSX, which is less than 1 mile from the port’s north gate, and offers two switchers and capacity for more than 300 railcars.

“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,” Port Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras said. “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.”

“We are very proud and excited to have been chosen to be the new operator for the rail infrastructure within Port Manatee,” Regional Rail President and CEO Al Sauer said. “This operation is in close proximity to our existing Florida railroads, and we are looking forward to working with Port Manatee and with CSX to strengthen and expand the rail service offerings to existing customers within Port Manatee and to attract new business to the port.”