Welcome to Maine Rail Group
A non-profit group working to enhance rail service in Maine and New England.
April 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.
4/2/26 Not really about trains
But this great YouTube video captures why we need to be thinking about alternatives to cars, and best of all trains!
4/1/26 Congress only proposes delusional ideas to fix the highway trust fund
We need to keep in mind that traffic on roads is being subsidized even when we ride on a train.
3/27/26 STB 3/27/26 Reauthorization from T4America
It’s time to focus on opportunities and outcomes
Surface transportation reauthorization is an opportunity to reorient federal policy to address the issues that matter most to Americans. focusing not on how much money gets spent on 1950s measures like congestion, but instead on making things more affordable by improving accessibility—making it easier and cheaper to get to what we need each day.
Discussions were organized around issues like transit, rail, or safety, where staffers could dig into those issues with policy experts from other organizations and learn how those priorities can be advanced in the reauthorization process. https://t4america.org/2026/03/27/preparing-congressional-staff-for-surface-transportation-reauthorization/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=1de4dc0d-9a6f-4936-b45a-ab9254d80504
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.
3/9/26 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
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.