Welcome to Maine Rail Group
A non-profit group working to enhance rail service in Maine and New England.
Feb 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.
2/7/26 Federal judge reverses Trump’s freeze on $16bn for NY-NJ tunnel project
Good news for the northeast corridor.
1/28/26 A Few Legal Tweaks Could Unlock a Mother Lode of Housing Near Transit
The Build HUBs Act would correct flaws in earlier federal legislation that functionally prevented communities from using funds from two key, low-cost transportation financing programs to help developers access low-interest loans to build transit-oriented development — a move which would take the simple but radical step of clarifying what "transit-oriented development" actually means – and making it clear that it includes any development within a half-mile of bus rapid transit or a multimodal path, in addition to traditional bus and train stops.
1/27/26 Amtrak And The New York City Subway Set Records As More Americans Embrace The Fun Of Trains
https://www.theautopian.com/amtrak-and-the-new-york-city-subway-set-records-as-more-americans-embrace-the-fun-of-trains/ Americans are choosing the romance and fun of train travel. Not only did the New York City Subway post consistent ridership growth and break one all-time record, but Amtrak has set a new all-time ridership record for the second year in a row. It reflects a greater trend of many Americans falling back in love with transit.
1/27/26 Research Library Looking Down the Tracks: A Case for More Predictable Intercity funding
By Rebecca Higgins
Describes the need for ongoing and consistent funding of IIJA projects to allow for a rational expansion of regional rail. https://enotrans.org/eno-resources/looking-down-the-tracks-a-case-for-more-predictable-intercity-passenger-rail-funding/
1/26/26 Why transit, density, and walkability matter for social connection
There are many economic reasons for transit, but in addition being well-connected also provides significant social benefits that are often overlooked and that includes the crisis of social isolation. https://t4america.org/2026/01/26/why-transit-density-and-walkability-matter-for-social-connection/
1/26/26 What should America’s transit ‘moonshot’ look like?
Ben Schneider has a depth of knowledge on what transit should look like. While he focuses on high traffic areas (which Maine does not have yet) he does discuss the need for regional rail between cities (which we do need to tie our state together) and the north/south connector needed in Boston which would be transformative for all of New England including Maine!
1/16/26 Americans Hit the Brakes on Driving—and It Could Shift the Housing Market in Reverse
Despite the belief of many - Generational shifts are reshaping the housing market and the love of driving. Younger adults are driving less, and older adults are aging out of driving. Housing will need to reflect the need for walking and transit-based neighborhoods.
https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/transit-oriented-housing-driving-less/
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.