Welcome to Maine Rail Group
A non-profit group working to enhance rail service in Maine and New England.
September 2026 Tracking the News …Transportation affects us
9/5/26 From the Portland Press Herald
Relocating Portland Station will transform passenger rail in Maine:
9/4/26 Surface Transportation programs extended to December 2026
While it’s good news that an immediate government shutdown will be avoided, funding levels for transit and passenger rail are more grim. Notably, the CR doesn’t include advance appropriations for public transit or passenger rail. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), this results in a 20% cut from current public transit funding levels and an 81% cut in passenger rail—on top of no guaranteed funding for passenger rail. https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/article/55403068/surface-transportation-programs-extended-to-december-2026
9/2/26 Amtrak launches System Expansion Committee
Amtrak—following unveiling of expanded passenger rail service including a second daily Pennsylvanian train between Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia and New York—announced the creation of a new board-level System Expansion Committee, which will focus on growing passenger rail service across the country.
“Expanding passenger rail service is essential to meeting growing demand, strengthening mobility and connecting more communities to economic opportunity,” Gleason said. “The creation of this committee reflects Amtrak’s commitment to working with states, host railroads and federal partners to advance new service opportunities and increase frequencies where investments and partnerships make growth possible.”
Approved by the Amtrak Board of Directors on July 30, the System Expansion Committee will serve as the board’s primary forum for advancing passenger rail growth. https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/55402336/amtrak-amtrak-launches-system-expansion-committee-to-build-out-network?utm_source=MASS+Transit+Rail+Update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS2608
9/2/26 Canada invests in passenger rail
Government of Canada to invest $4.7 billion in 313 new passenger rail cars for VIA Rail Canada.
9/10 Video regarding the funding of the Draw Bridge before Boston North Station
8/13 Portland Station relocation to St. John's St receives $48 million grant
In what can only be described as a regional benefit for all of Maine, the federal government awarded a $48 million grant to NNEPRA for constructing a new station on the mainline in Portland. From reducing 17 minutes travel time for stations north of Portland, to saving over $1 million dollars in operating costs, it is a win for Maine. See information below.
You Tube video re: Boston North/South Link
One can always dream....but a good history with hope for the future:
8/14/26 MBTA Lands $139.6MM for Commuter Rail Double Track Projec
In another win for the Downeaster, the Haverhill Station in Massachusetts will be double tracked, speeding up service, and offering a new station.
https://www.rtands.com/track-construction/mbta-lands-139-6mm-for-commuter-rail-double-track/
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