Specifications include, but are not limited to: The purpose of this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is to solicit Proposals from experienced and qualified entities for the operations and maintenance of each of the following rail lines: the Armory Branch, the Griffins Industrial Track, and the Middletown Cluster. The Rail Lines are more particularly described in Section 3.2 of this RFP. CTDOT will utilize this RFP process to select an Operator with the operational and financial capacity as well as experience to operate and maintain each or all of the Rail Lines. CTDOT is seeking an experienced railroad operator to provide common carrier rail freight operations and maintenance services for the Armory Branch, Griffins Industrial Track, and/or Middletown Cluster. Following the Post Selection Process as delineated in Section 7 of this RFP, the Operator shall furnish all personnel and equipment necessary to assume full responsibility for all aspects of operations, maintenance and inspection of the Rail Line(s), as well as the management and marketing of common carrier rail freight service on the Rail Line(s). The abovementioned responsibilities include, but are not limited to, day-to-day rail operations, dispatching of trains, training of staff, maintenance of way (facilities, systems, signals, communications and rights of way), bringing the Rail Line(s) to a state of good repair, conduct vegetation removal and management, and any routine maintenance required for the safe operation of the Rail Line(s), at a minimum of FRA Track Class 1. The Operator will additionally be responsible for keeping detailed records pertaining to the Rail Line(s), all of which shall be made available to CTDOT upon request or as otherwise mutually arranged. Records include, but are not limited to, complete copies of financial reports with breakdown of revenue and carloads by customer as well as all operational documents such as timetables, track charts, and inspection reports. The Operator shall: 1. Bring an engaging perspective to collaborate with CTDOT throughout the term of the Agreement. 2. Operate and maintain the respective Rail Line(s) in a responsible, safe and cooperative manner. 3. Provide accountability and transparency to CTDOT and the public. 4. Provide consistent, high-quality, on demand service to current and future shippers along the Rail Line(s). 5. Timely and fully comply with all legal and financial obligations related to the operation of common carrier freight service including, but not limited to, federal regulations and guidelines promulgated by the FRA and the STB. 6. Timely file the relevant notices, applicat
