Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

OAITW r.2.0

(28,361 posts)
Tue Dec 14, 2021, 11:30 AM Dec 2021

Maine Loves Its Train. Can Other States Follow in Its Tracks?

The state knew something special had to happen if it wanted to revive intercity passenger rail service. A coalition of political and private support created the highly successful Downeaster.

https://www.governing.com/now/maine-loves-its-train-can-other-states-follow-in-its-tracks


Interesting story about the Downeaster.....a great way to get to Boston and avoid the driving/parking aggravations in Beantown.

I wish they'd consider expanding to Augusta / Waterville / Newport (a key nexus between N/S (I-95) and E/W (Rte 2), terminating in Bangor.

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Maine Loves Its Train. Can Other States Follow in Its Tracks? (Original Post) OAITW r.2.0 Dec 2021 OP
K&R for trains wryter2000 Dec 2021 #1
I've taken that line from Exeter to Boston N Station many times. Bristlecone Dec 2021 #2
Wonderful..absolutely splendid way to travel..reading through the article.. asiliveandbreathe Dec 2021 #3
Got two younger relatives in school up there rurallib Dec 2021 #4
Your relative going to Bowdoin would definetely beneft and I am sure he/she must be aware of this OAITW r.2.0 Dec 2021 #5
That is really cool rurallib Dec 2021 #6
downeaster train. AllaN01Bear Dec 2021 #7
I think you probably arrived at South Station for Amtrack routs south and west of Boston OAITW r.2.0 Dec 2021 #8

Bristlecone

(10,486 posts)
2. I've taken that line from Exeter to Boston N Station many times.
Tue Dec 14, 2021, 11:46 AM
Dec 2021

It’s a nice easy ride w/wifi so you can work, watch a movie, whatever.

asiliveandbreathe

(8,203 posts)
3. Wonderful..absolutely splendid way to travel..reading through the article..
Tue Dec 14, 2021, 12:02 PM
Dec 2021

Thanks for the link, appears Augusta is being considered..Mr. Davis persevered against all odds..and won..an absolutely favorite road trip up and down the Maine coast ..

Had a wonderful experience in Portland..one of those unplanned, magnificent experiences, an invite to join the crew of one of the tugboats that helps PILOT the oil tankers in and out of the straights to the ocean - this happened to be a tanker who had just emptied their oil. The pilot of the tugboat actually climbed a ladder to the helm of the tanker navigating out, while the tugboats, 1 on stern, and 1 at bow ..simply amazing..(sorry, I digress)..I see a story from home (Mass. but still New England, and consider all NE states home) and get melancholy ..btw..the crew made Ginger Bread..hot, out of oven. n Don't ask me how I remember all this..they even gave us a tour of the engine room...awesome..

If I ever get back theah, I will surely put the Downeaster train on my to do list...enjoy your day, and thank you again..

(Arizona is in real trouble with their infrastructure - they can't seem to catch up to all the vehicles on the roads..not enough roads...)

rurallib

(63,196 posts)
4. Got two younger relatives in school up there
Tue Dec 14, 2021, 01:21 PM
Dec 2021

one in Boston, one at Bowdoin. I will check with them to see if they are aware of this. Thanks

OAITW r.2.0

(28,361 posts)
5. Your relative going to Bowdoin would definetely beneft and I am sure he/she must be aware of this
Tue Dec 14, 2021, 02:04 PM
Dec 2021

option.

On a side note, had a close friend that went to Bowdoin. His 1st year dorm room had a plaque noting this was Henry Wardsworth Longfellow's room (IIRC) during his time there. Thought that was pretty cool.

rurallib

(63,196 posts)
6. That is really cool
Tue Dec 14, 2021, 02:25 PM
Dec 2021

I figured that train would be well known but I passed it on just in case she hadn't heard of it.

Merry Christmas!

OAITW r.2.0

(28,361 posts)
8. I think you probably arrived at South Station for Amtrack routs south and west of Boston
Tue Dec 14, 2021, 05:03 PM
Dec 2021

The Downeaster and Metro-North trains come into North Station - below the Boston Garden and a 5 minute walk into North Boston (Little Italy).

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Maine»Maine Loves Its Train. Ca...