Fast-Tracking the Future

Please express your support of Maine’s transit and economic future by signing the petition to build the new downtown Portland Station on St. John Street between Northern Light Mercy Hospital and Fore River Parkway (aka site #3), already 80% Federally funded.

The Maine Rail Plan and the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) have both included in their goals the creation of a new passenger station in Portland because the present station location results in lost running time, pollution and noise by backing in and out of the existing Portland station and is located far from the center of Portland.

The new station location will:

• Encourage economic development in the Libbytown neighborhood and the St. John Street corridor allowing easy proximity to medical services, Hadlock Field, Western Promenade, Congress Street and soon the new soccer stadium.
• Complete the GPCOG Connect 2050 goal of moving the Portland station.
• Support less driving, less congestion, less pollution and safer streets.
• Provide easy pedestrian access for 10,000 existing employees in the new station area.
• Inspire use of the existing trail system for pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooters.
• Make Portland a more appealing destination for passengers coming from north and south by reducing travel time in and out of the city.
• Connect Concord Coach service and downtown Fore River Parkway.
• Build on the only workable location given the constraints of property acquisition, safety considerations and ultimate cost, which is why it qualified for a federal grant.
• Provide opportunities for future passenger rail extensions to other regions of Maine and increased frequency of service.