METRO Regional Transit Authority of Akron, Ohio has engaged RLBA to assist it in evaluating, valuing, acquiring and awarding a 25-mile railroad freight franchise. The prospective acquisition of the line and freight franchise from CSX Transportation is deemed the most cost-effective manner by which access to the right-of-way can be obtained to facilitate future rail passenger service in Akron, given the risk management requirements of CSX. RLBA assisted METRO through the short line operator solicitation and procurement process by discussing trade-offs associated with many key operator procurement issues and subsequently providing both short line contract procurement models and commenting extensively on many terms in the procurement documents drafted by METRO. In addition RLBA supported negotiation of the freight easement purchase.

As the franchise transaction grew near, RLBA reviewed the Purchase and Sale, Interchange and Continuing Freight Operations Agreements. RLBA suggested amendments to improve the financial prospects of a short line operator to be selected by METRO and was tasked to redraft applicable sections of the Continuing Freight Operations Agreement.