 It all began on December 15, 2001, and now the Downeaster is about to begin its fourth year of service to the people of Northern New England.
Did you know...
w Since it's inception in 2001 Amtrak spends about $3,182,000 in goods and services in Maine, and over $2.5 million in wasges to employees living in Maine.
w Two railroad tracks have the hourly carrying capacity of 16 highway lanes, cost ??? less to build and maintain.
w The U.S. government invests less than 1% of total transportation spending each year on intercity rail, while Germany and France each invest over 20% of their transportation capital spending on rail.
w In 2001 the U.S. government spent $33Billion on HIghways, $14 Billion on aviation and only $521 Million on Amtrak.
In 1989 Trainriders/Northeast began working for the restoration of passenger rail service between Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. After receiving over 90,000 signed petitions from Maine voters the Maine legislature adopted the first citizen initiated bill in its history without requiring a referendum.
It took over 12 years to achieve our first objective, and now we are celebrating its 3rd birthday. But along with a celebration we want everyone to know the job is not complete. We are striving to continue to make the service better and to extend the Downeaster to Freeport, Brunswick and beyond. We still need your help!
Call the Trainriders office to find out how you can help, or click HERE to fill out an online volunteer application.
TrainRiders/Northeast
P.O. Box 4869
Portland, ME 04112-4869
(207) TRY-RAIL (879-7245)
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