Maine Department of Transportation's Rockland rail branch, that includes Wiscasset, is starting to see regular rail traffic again; it's freight and, by fall, might be excursion, too. Wiscasset Economic Development Director Aaron Chrostowsky mentioned the prospect of excursion rail in a May 27 email advising the public to "use caution around the rail line" because, starting May 29, a train would be coming through again, for an estimated two to three trips a week, on freight runs. And the new operator answered Wiscasset Newspaper's questions May 28 about the excursion part. 

"We are aiming to begin excursions on the Rockland Branch by fall of this year," Maine Switching Services' government affairs manager, Finn Kelly, said via email. "We would like to have trains ready to roll for the foliage season. 

"We have met with the town of Wiscasset to discuss what options are available to build a new station stop. This is a collaboration to create both economic growth and business interest for both the town and the railroad," Kelly said. 

Chrostowsky's email of two days prior, mainly about the return of freight runs, said the town is working with Maine Switching Services "to bring a new excursion rail to Wiscasset. Stay tuned for more information."

Wiscasset Newspaper then asked Chrostowsky for any other details and how optimistic was he the excursion rail will happen. Chrostkowsky explained, there are "a lot of moving parts for the excursion rail to happen. No details yet." He added about the May 27 announcement, he "really wanted to let people know, that the normal(ly) quiet rail line will be active now."

Kelly did, too. "We would also like to remind the community that train traffic will be resuming shortly, and to take additional care when around the tracks," he said.

As for those freight rail runs, Chrostowsky said MaineDOT has made Maine Switching Services of Unity the branch's operator. Maine Switching is "working with Dragon Cement’s new owner, Heidelberg Materials, N.A., to haul products from their facility in Thomaston ..."

Chrostowsky's announcement asked people to "take notice of the new rail activity in Town and use caution around the rail line."

MaineDOT announced in January its pick of Maine Switching Services from five respondents to the department's request for proposals. That January news release stating Maine Switching would operate and maintain the Rockland branch appears to have been the first public word on new excursion plans, even noting the projected time which tracks with Kelly's comments: The release at maine.gov stated the business intends to "offer scenic train rides and rail excursions by this fall. This will preserve active rail service while MaineDOT continues to evaluate significant bridge infrastructure needs on the line. MSS's proposal does not involve providing host railroad services for an Amtrak Downeaster extension on the Rockland Branch Railroad."

Wiscasset last saw rail excursions in 2023 when Midcoast Rail Service had the Rockland branch lease. Although well received by riders, the excursions ended after an unsolvable parts problem, according to Wiscasset Newspaper files.

Wiscasset Selectman Terry Heller enjoyed a Midcoast Rail Service excursion to Bath in 2023. May 29, Heller said about the new Rockland branch operator's excursion plans, "I feel wonderful about that. This sounds fabulous, and I am thrilled for Wiscasset and I'm thrilled for all the little towns along Route One."

She would love to see a "rail and sail" endeavor for the region someday, she added.