The Legislature’s transportation committee says LD 487 ‘ought not to pass,’ especially without assured funding from the Trump administration.
amtrak downeaster
Rail advocates renew push for passenger service to Bangor
A bill to be heard this week seeks federal seed funding for a proposal to restore passenger service from Portland through Auburn, Lewiston, Waterville and Bangor to Orono.
Unity company to take over Rockland railroad
The company plans to bring back freight service and scenic rides, but its proposal does not include an Amtrak Downeaster extension.
Maine seeks new operator to revive Rockland Branch rail line
The Department of Transportation is seeking to restore freight service and that could help the Amtrak Downeaster resume its effort to add passenger service from Brunswick to Rockland.
Boston eyes $8 billion rail plan that would benefit Maine
A new ‘Rail Link’ between North and South stations would ease passenger rail between Maine and the rest of America
Some Amtrak Downeaster service suspended, modified through Sunday
Two trains are cancelled for the week and others will have modified service to allow crews to complete work in Wells.
Downeaster reports record-setting ridership, revenue for 2024 fiscal year
The line, which carries Amtrak passengers from Brunswick to Boston, had nearly 600,000 riders between July 2023 and this June – a 4% increase over the mark set in 2019.
Amtrak to install automatic braking system on Downeaster
Amtrak and CSX will be installing a ‘positive train control’ system on the Downeaster tracks, intended to automatically control train speeds and movements.
Amtrak’s heat-delay altered schedules won’t impact Maine, rail authority says
There will likely still be delays on the Downeaster when high temperatures affect the metal rails, but the schedule is staying put, for the time being.
Amtrak planners identify 3 possible sites for new train station in Portland
Moving the station from its current location at Thompson’s Point would reduce travel time and improve efficiency of the Downeaster service between Boston and Brunswick.