Our Mission Statement
Working at all levels of government, the private sector and with each Class I and shortline railroad in our state, the Office of Rail Freight Services (RFS) will facilitate the evaluation, preservation and development of cost effective and economically justified surface transportation programs, policies and improvements that may require the use and benefits of rail freight movement.

Our Vision Statement
Recognizing rail freight is one of the vital parts of a balanced and economically effective transportation system, RFS will assist in the evaluation of the costs, benefits and challenges associated with moving people and goods to, from and through congested areas of Maryland as well as the unique rail needs in rural counties. As appropriate, RFS will aggressively work on creative multi-modal tradeoffs, solutions or alternatives while sharing knowledge of the direct and societal benefits of rail freight services with others to help guide change to best serve the future needs of Maryland. RFS will continue to also aggressively plan for both the near as well as long-term future.

Overview
The Office of RFS is embedded within the Maryland Transit Administration's (MTA) Corporate Services Group. Restructured by the Secretary of Transportation in 1998, it is managed by the Director of RFS. Its historical roots date back to the former State Rail Administration, which was abolished in 1991. Today, RFS serves multiple key functions deemed as critical to our States well being and our overall economic competitiveness. Working in tandem with Maryland's Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), interstate, statewide, regional and local rail freight needs are defined, protected and enhanced to the extent available funding and programs can support such activities. Meaningful new programs have been implemented to keep Maryland competitive, including a new Maryland Railroad Siding Program and selective 286,000# line upgrades to key State owned line segments in rural areas of our state. Ongoing and aggressive management of such issues is deemed as critical to: our Port; rural and metropolitan areas of our State; coexistence of MARC commuter service along rail freight lines owned by major railroads; and overall for a well balanced and competitive use of each transportation mode. A competitive and cost effective modal balance benefits our State and enhances our national and global competitiveness.

RFS serves as the primary rail freight consultative resource for the Secretary of Transportation and each modal and other authorities under the Secretaries jurisdiction. It organizationally resides within MTA's Corporate Services Group enabling use of and accessibility to other valuable resources at MTA on an as needed basis. This may include Legal, Financial, Engineering, MARC, Planning, and other executive and staff support. RFS maintains a presence and serves on numerous statewide and national transportation committees, advisory boards and panels with the objective of protecting and enhancing the benefits of rail freight when and if applicable. This includes involvement with the national program known as Operation Lifesaver and other team efforts dealing with safety and the well being of the public at large. RFS also maintains strong working relationships and manages statewide issues with CSX and Norfolk Southern, seven shortline railroads operating in Maryland and the 200 miles of state rail right of way generally acquired as a result of bankrupt railroad light density line sales in the late 1970's. This effort includes the planned management and execution of our current capital funding programs as defined in our States Capital Transportation Program (CTP). Programs for FY 05-011 are being designed to selectively enhance and upgrade our state owned network in those areas previously studied and deemed necessary to sustain economic growth and value to the State. As may be appropriate, Federal rail funds for shortline railroad improvements are administered through this office. Additional information pertaining to RFS in Maryland may be gleaned by reviewing the 2001 State Rail Plan and the Maryland Freight Mobility Plan dated September 2001.

Summary
Rail is one of many key elements of a balanced transportation network for the future. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimates Maryland and the Southern region of the country will experience an 80 percent growth in freight movement by 2020. Maryland will require the best of "ALL" modes of transportation i.e., freight railroads, trucks, port containers, commuters and intercity passengers, to coexist in 2020 and beyond. Any inability to move goods and people beyond that which currently exists will severely hamper Maryland's economic competitiveness with other states better equipped to deal with traffic congestion. For Maryland, unresolved congestion could add significantly to the cost of goods produced and consumed, impact air quality, decrease employee productivity, and adversely impact tourism. Our State is planning now for solutions required dealing with the future. Additionally we plan to continue our selective rural rail enhancement programs, as funding permits, which are designed to keep the rail users in these rural counties viable and competitive.

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