Santa Maria Valley Railroad (SMVRR) announced mid-June it had entered into a joint venture with OmniTRAX, becoming the 29th rail operation in the OmniTRAX nationwide network.

Offering commercial and commodity rail service to local ag and industrial customers, Coast Belle Rail Corporation, owner of SMVRR since 2006, bought the 114-year old railroad from descendants of the family of Allan Hancock, founder of the railroad. OmniTRAX combines real estate and rail expertise serving U.S. ports and industrial centers.

SMVRR President Rob Himoto cited the alignment of family ownership and cultural values of the two organizations as the foundation for a strong partnership and a fitting tribute to the Hancock family. Himoto stated, “Santa Maria Valley Railroad has been vital to the Valley for decades, and this new partnership adds resources, relationships and real estate development capabilities.”

The Railroad’s system, a 14.7 mile main line track which interchanges in Guadalupe with the Union Pacific Railroad, has numerous sidings and spurs along the line to support future growth.

The joint venture will expand the Railroad’s economic development value to the area, offering new transloading (e.g. rail/truck) and logistics services for SMVRR customers and their supply chains. OmniTRAX partnering will enable intermodal goods transfer and the company’s portfolio also includes real estate, warehousing and distribution support for SMVRR customers.