AUGUSTA (AP) – Some Maine lawmakers want to force Pan Am Railways to sell its lines in Maine because of complaints that it’s failing to provide timely and consistent service to many of its manufacturing customers.

The Utilities and Energy Committee voted last week to direct the Maine Department of Transportation to consider petitioning the federal Surface Transportation Board to force Pan Am to sell the company’s lines in Maine to the state.

If a resolution is passed, the state and federal transportation agencies would report back to the Legislature during the next session.

If a sale is forced, the state would choose another railroad company to run Pan Am, which is the state’s largest railroad.

Previously known as Guilford Rail Systems, Pan Am is controlled by Timothy Mellon of the Mellon banking family of Pittsburgh. It operates freight rail lines across the state, including 77 miles of track between Portland and Plaistow, N.H., on which Amtrak’s Downeaster operates.

State Rep. Stacey Fitts, R-Pittsfield, said there’s no evidence the railroad has improved service since the Legislature first began prodding it to do so three years ago. Fitts’ district includes Pan Am customers, including a fertilizer manufacturer and a grain mill.

“We are putting them on notice,” Fitts said. “If you don’t respond and treat us seriously, we will have to take serious action.”

Proponents say tax dollars would not be spent because the new railroad company would pay Pan Am the market value of its Maine properties.

David Fink, president of Pan Am Railways, said the company runs a safe and profitable railroad and that he was unaware of the complaints. He also said the Surface Transportation Board is the proper authority to deal with service complaints.

Fink said the railroad has been profitable and safe since Mellon and Fink’s father, David Andrew Fink, bought the railroad in 1981. During the first two months of this year, six Maine companies increased their shipments by 1,000 cars over the same period last year, he said.

“We have been the only folks who have been able to do that in the state of Maine in 30 years,” he said. “I hope we can continue.”