History
Our history is more than a record of the past, it is the foundation built rail by rail, spike by spike, by generations of dedicated employees. With more than a century of service to the Santa Maria Valley, our enduring commitment to our customers and community remains as strong today as it was at the start, guiding us forward with purpose.
To Rhodomite
The Santa Maria Valley Railroad began on July 11, 1911, driven by an English oil syndicate to transport oil and asphalt. By October 7, 1911, it reached Santa Maria and was fully completed by November 5, 1911.
The Early Struggle
The railroad commenced switching operations for the Union Sugar Plant located in the town of Betteravia. Initially, the railroad experienced success; however, with their oil traffic moving towards pipelines strain on the business began to set in and when the sugar plant shut down in the 1920s, the railroad ultimately faced bankruptcy by 1925.
New Ownership Brings Expansion
In 1925, Captain G. Allan Hancock purchased the Santa Maria Valley Railroad, ushering in a new era of growth and modernization. Under his leadership, the railroad began the expansion of its trackage, upgraded equipment, and strengthened connections with local industries bringing about an era of growth for the city of Santa Maria.
The Acquisition Of
The Airbase
In 1942, the SMVRR acquired the Airbase Branch from the Pacific Coast Railway, extending service to the new Santa Maria Army Air Base. The line became vital during World War II, carrying troops and supplies, and thus solidified the SMVRR’s role in the region’s transportation network.
The End of Steam
In February 1962, Santa Maria Valley Railroad’s steam locomotive No. 21 made its final run from Guadalupe to Santa Maria with a sold out final excursion, closing the chapter on the railroad’s steam era. Captain Hancock was at the throttle, with his good friends Walt Disney riding in the cab—a symbolic farewell to the age of steam. Today, No. 21 can still be seen in Oregon, thanks to the dedicated restoration and preservation efforts of the Astoria Railroad Preservation Association.
Farewell Dear Captain
In 1965 Captain G. Allen Hancock passed peacefully in his sleep. He was a man of exceptional vision, dedication, and action. He introduced numerous innovations to the Santa Maria Valley, many of which are preserved in his honor and continue to thrive to this day.
Marian Mullen Hancock
Marian Hancock had been involved with the operations of the SMVRR for many years prior to her husband's passing, serving as the first woman to sit on a Railroad Board in the nation only to then ascend to Vice President under the Captain's guidance. Two years after his passing she became the first female President of a standard gauge railroad in the US.
The Turning Point
In 1993, the Holly/Union Sugar plant in Betteravia ceased operations after 94 years, significantly affecting the SMVRR's freight volumes, as it accounted for 75% of their business. This closure represented a pivotal moment in the railroad's history. The organization's hesitation to modernize its operations placed it at a competitive disadvantage. Furthermore, excessive administrative staff and managerial expenditures led to layoffs of critical rail workers, resulting in widespread deferred maintenance. As a consequence, customers faced significant delays and expressed growing frustration with the declining service levels, prompting many to transition to trucking for their transportation needs.
Sue Sword
Sue Sword had a long career with the Santa Maria Valley Railroad, she was one of Marian's first hires starting as an Accountant, working her way up to becoming a member of the Board and eventually serving as our second female President until her retirement in 2000. During her active years she would also go on to become the first female director of the American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association.
The Rosemary Trust
In 2000, the Rosemary Trust, spearheaded by Captain Hancock's granddaughter, Patricia Brennan, assumed full control of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad with the goal of revitalizing it. They implemented new management, digitized office operations, abandoned the tracks east of the freeway, and attracted new customers. By 2005, they opted to sell the railroad, hoping to find someone capable of transforming it for the better.
Coast Belle Rail Corp.
In 2006 the Rosemary Trust sold the railroad to Coast Belle Rail Corp led by Rob Himoto and the Himoto Family. The Rosemary Trust’s wish was to sell the railroad to another family run operation with the intent of preserving Captain Hancock’s legacy. They set out with the arduous task of turning the railroad around, by rebuilding the customer base and rehabilitating the infrastructure.
Osburn Yard
In 2016, Coast Belle acquired 28 acres on the western side of Santa Maria, transforming it into the Osburn Railyard. This development introduced two tracks for transloading, effectively broadening their customer base and creating opportunities for Customers who do not own property adjacent to the railroad.
A New Partnership
In 2025, the Santa Maria Valley Railroad achieved a major milestone by establishing a joint venture partnership with OmniTRAX. This strategic alliance represents OmniTRAX's first Joint Venture Agreement and will deliver crucial funding for the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the railroad.
This partnership marks a new era of growth for the Santa Maria Valley Railroad, enabling it to better serve customers and meet modern logistics demands. With added capital, the railroad plans to upgrade infrastructure, improve reliability, and expand its network. This collaboration not only benefits the railroad but will also help to stimulate the local economy, creating jobs and fostering growth. By preserving its legacy while embracing innovation, the Santa Maria Valley Railroad will remain a vital community asset for years to come.