Wilkes-Barre Railroad Gets a New Operator for Local Tracks
Published Date: 11/6/2026
Notice
Summary
Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway Company is stepping in to take over nearly 60 miles of rail lines in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, from local authorities and will replace the current operator, R.J. Corman Railroad Company, on part of the route. This change means WBT will run the trains and manage the tracks, aiming for smoother rail service without any immediate cost changes announced. The switch is official as of November 2026, shaking up who’s in charge of these important local railroads.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Operator for ~59.65 Miles of Local Rail
Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway Company (WBT) will acquire and operate about 59.65 miles of rail line in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and will replace incumbent R.J. Corman Railroad Company (RJLS) as the common carrier on approximately 41.19 miles; RJLS's common carrier status over a 41.9-mile portion will terminate. The earliest the change may be consummated is November 22, 2026.
Immediate Service via RBMN Trackage Rights
WBT will grant local trackage rights to Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad Company (RBMN) so RBMN can provide immediate rail service to customers on the in-service segments after the incumbent operator's lease expires. The trackage rights authority (Docket No. FD 36959) cannot be consummated until WBT exercises its acquisition authority.
Common-Carrier Obligation on Out-of-Service Segments
WBT's acquisition includes several out-of-service segments (listed in the notice) and WBT recognizes it will have a common carrier obligation over those out-of-service segments even though WBT states they are unlikely to be returned to active service.
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Key Dates
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