Our History

Tacoma Public Utilities is the only utility in the country that owns and operates a railroad connected to the North American rail network. Tacoma Rail has been part of Tacoma’s working waterfront for more than 100 years. It began serving the waterfront in 1914 as the Tacoma Municipal Belt Line Railway.

More Than 100 Years on Track

1914 — Serving Tacoma’s Waterfront

Tacoma Rail begins serving Tacoma’s waterfront as the Tacoma Municipal Belt Line Railway. This marks the start of more than a century of rail service tied to Tacoma’s working waterfront.

1925 — Becoming Part of Tacoma Public Utilities

A Tacoma City Charter amendment transfers the railroad to Tacoma Public Utilities. At the time, the railroad carried freight and passengers, including workers traveling to and from the Port of Tacoma.

1937 — Focusing on Freight

The Tidelands Division becomes freight-only. This marks a shift toward the freight service that remains central to Tacoma Rail’s work today.

2004 — Expanding Regional Service

Tacoma Rail begins providing freight service on the Lakewood Subdivision, extending service along a key regional corridor. The subdivision expands Tacoma Rail’s reach beyond the Port and connects customers in the South Tacoma and Lakewood area.

Aerial view of the Tacoma rail yard featuring numerous colorful train cars along railway tracks, with industrial buildings and a highway in the background.

Tacoma Rail Today

Today, we provide freight service through the Tidelands Division and Lakewood Subdivision. We support local businesses, the Port of Tacoma and regional commerce by connecting customers to the North American rail network.

Tacoma Rail continues a more than 100-year tradition of moving goods and supporting Tacoma’s economy.

Looking Ahead

We continue to invest in our freight operations and modernize our locomotive fleet. This work supports cleaner, reliable freight service now and into the future.