Welcome to Maine Rail Group
A non-profit group working to enhance rail service in Maine and New England.
March 2026 Tracking the News …Transportation affects us all
News from all around the USA
Maine Rail Group is focused on Maine, but as part of a larger economy we need to be aware of what is happening elsewhere. As advocates for rail as an economic and environmental part of the transit solution we are always seeking ways to share challenges and success in moving Maine forward.
3/30/26 A view of America from the tracks as airports struggle in the shutdown
Long security lines at airports are driving people crazy. A nice article about train travel from AP.https://apnews.com/article/airports-shutdown-long-lines-train-travel-amtrak-e4d8ea591b3b036142c2bf2dee7dff5a?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=share
3/24/26 NH firm wants to revive Bucksport freight rail service
TransloadX has started the process of taking over operation of that branch, and another between Augusta and Waterville. It is great to see another Class III shortline operators stepping up to assist Maine in its need for better freight operations. Freight rail is returning to Maine, and even more reason why the state needs to stop tearing up rail lines. By encouraging rail service, the small investment to rebuild rail lines saves the state the cost of building and rebuilding roads worn out by trucks. https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/24/hancock/hancock-business/bucksport-freight-rail-revival-joam40zk0w/
3/26/26 Now’s the time for Maine to extend passenger rail service
A great big thank you to Michael Johnson, a second-year student in Thomas College’s three-year bachelor’s degree program, who wrote the editorial for the Bangor Daily News. I find many of the reader comments very interesting, and wish they had spoken at the hearings last year to the legislators about why this alternative was needed!
3/21/26How Canada Is Beating the US in the Public Transportation Race
Study from McGill University shows a good feeder bus system (frequent with all day service) and political will drives LRT usage.
https://www.mironline.ca/how-canada-is-beating-the-us-in-the-public-transportation-race/
3/10/26 Massachusetts Gov. Healey signs project to support North Station Draw Bridge Replacement
The bridge the Downeaster crosses as leaving North Station. This is very good news.
3/11/26 Funding Freeze Has Derailed Transit, Undermining Growth and Economic Opportunity
According to the Urban Institute, which conducted the analysis, the Trump-era drought is having downstream effects nationwide. Because rail projects are complex, expensive, and require years more intricate planning than bus upgrades, cities and states often can't build them without federal matching funds — which means that projects don't happen at all. https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/03/11/trumps-funding-freeze-has-derailed-transit-undermining-growth-and-economic-opportunity-for-all-americans-report?utm_source=streetsblog-usa.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=new-post
3/9/26 Rail Transit Development Hasn’t Kept Up .
In 1990, 4 of the world’s 14 longest metro networks—or those that include monorail, subway, elevated, and automated light metro—were located in the United States. Today, not a single US network sits on that list. https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/rail-transit-development-hasnt-kept-us-population-growth-heres-how-policymakers-can
3/3/26 Every $1 invested in public transit returns $5 in long-term economic value
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has released an Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment study, an independent analysis highlighting what investments in public transportation can materialize into. Both Portland and Bangor are listed: https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/APTA-Economic-Impact-of-Public-Transportation-022026.pdf
3/3/26 Report maps the economic toll that downtown freeways exact on 142 US cities
Maps of cities and tallies up what that land could be worth if it was developed for other uses, including Portland Maine and Bangor.
https://www.scribd.com/document/1006961808/Atlas-of-Inner-City-Highway-Impacts
3/3/26 Quotes from the President of the International Association of Public Transit
· Our cities are congested with cars. And, even if they’re electric or self-driving, they’ll still be cars occupying public space.
· Public transportation is an investment, not a cost. I think it’s a mistake to assume that it’s only used by those who have no choice, or by students or the poor. Public transportation should be for everyone.
· If we do it to attract people who drive, experience shows that this doesn’t work, because the ticket price isn’t the problem: rather, it’s the lack of frequency or services. So, we need to invest money in providing a dense, frequent and high-quality public transit system. That’s what attracts more passengers.
To read the full interview go to: https://english.elpais.com/society/2026-03-01/mohamed-mezghani-from-the-international-association-of-public-transport-a-traffic-jam-of-electric-cars-is-still-a-traffic-jam.html
Portland Station Relocation Updates
Latest news on the progress of the new station needed for Portland
Official NNEPRA report: https://www.nnepra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-12-5-NNEPRA-PTS-Relocation-Site-Alternatives-Analysis-Summary-Report.FINAL_.pdf
Reflections from the Urbanist Coalition: https://www.urbanistportland.me/blog
Letters to the editor – Portland Press Herald 11/22/25 page A-4
About Us
MRG, Inc. is an independent all-volunteer group (501c(3) corporation), that promotes awareness of railroads' contributions to Maine's economy and their important role in moving passengers and freight.
- Advocates for railroad utilization and encourages preservation and productive use of Maine's rail system and its regional connections.
- Currently sharing legislative actions regarding the extension of passenger service from Portland to Bangor.
- Informs our members and the public of rail-related developments through emails, our bimonthly newsletter, and bi-annually updated railroad maps,
- Encourages dialogue among railroad interests, and the general public for mutual education and rail expansion opportunities through contacts with railroad and public officials, and various rail organizations throughout Northern New England
- Board Meetings are held monthly virtually - members are invited, please use contact form to receive an invite.
- Annual meeting is scheduled for the spring and combined with a train ride when possible.
- Board Meeting dates may change due to holidays and schedule conflicts, so please check ahead to confirm.
Get Involved
We are working to keep Maine moving and developing economically while keeping Maine in its natural beauty.
We are working with citizens and legislators to encourage the extension of passenger train service to Bangor so that 90% of Maine's population can be within 1 hour of train service connecting Maine together.
We are working with environmentally focused groups to preserve rail corridors. We encourage rail with trail to ensure the future use of the corridors for passenger service. This leads to economic growth, affordable development without sprawl, open land, and climate friendly transportation options.