Through vigorously competitive, railroads are an integrated, multi-modal system that links communities and businesses with markets and resources throughout the world.

Primarily private corporations (although several are publicly traded stock companies) railroads own, maintain and operate their systems under authority of a certificate of convenience and necessity issued by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (formerly the Interstate Commerce Commission). Railroads serve a public purpose, that being the safe transportation of goods in interstate commerce to the benefit of all.

The Massachusetts Railroad Association is a voluntary organization with its overriding purpose being the delivery of our industry message to public officials, to participate in public debate of public policy issues affecting our industry, and to serve as an information resource to state and local public officials.

MRA has proposed legislation seeking to enhance safe transportation, has testified in support or opposition to legislation initiatives, and has maintained an active dialogue with public officials throughout the state in support of economic development and transportation polices.

Currently MRA is an active participant in Massachusetts Operation Lifesaver, a program devoted to ensuring public safety around railroad property. The Association is also actively involved in the Massachusetts Freight Advisory Council and is a member of the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development.