Its operator has been the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York since 1971, whereas prior to that year it was owned by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O).
All active SIR stations are located on the Main Line, which spans from the St. George Ferry Terminal to Tottenville.
A small western portion of the North Shore Branch that is disconnected to the Main Line is used for freight service, and a smaller eastern portion of the same branch provided seasonal service to the Richmond County Bank Ballpark station from 2001 to 2009.
Restoration is being discussed along this mostly abandoned 6.1-mile (9.8 km) line as part of the Staten Island light rail plan.
[2] The South Beach Branch was abandoned and demolished except for a remaining stanchion on St. John's Avenue and the Robin Road Trestle.