R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-6-17
Railroad corporations and street railroad companies may contract that either shall perform transportation of persons and property upon and over the whole or any part of the road of the other, so far as the other has then the right by law to perform the transportation, and may contract with each other for the lease, use, or sale of their respective roads, or any part thereof, upon such terms as the directors may agree, and as may be approved by a majority of the stockholders of both corporations present and voting at meetings called for that purpose, and the corporation operating any portion of any railroad under any contract or sale shall have, in addition to its own powers, privileges, and franchises, all the powers, privileges, and franchises of the other party thereto in respect to the road, and be subject to and perform all the public duties and obligations of the other party in respect thereto.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-6-17