 On December 26, 1976, the MBTA purchased the rights of way and passenger equipment from the Boston and Maine (which retained freight trackage rights).Operation of MBTA Commuter Rail was contracted at that time to the Boston and Maine, and later was awarded to other private companies.Beginning on January 10, 1977, a snowstorm blocked the line for a few days, after which the MBTA announced it would not resume passenger service.