Proposed Downeaster Rockland Extension Not Happening This Summer

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Created: 10 June 2019 10 June 2019

From the Portland Press Herald:

"Midcoast passenger rail shelved for 2nd season

Plans for limited passenger rail service to the mid-coast during the summer have been shelved for the second consecutive year.

Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, informed communities of the decision Monday.

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We are very disappointed, but still believe this is a great opportunity and will continue to actively pursue it,” Quinn said in her email.

Quinn said that despite efforts of the rail authority, it was simply not possible to begin seasonal passenger service this summer.

“There are many regulatory requirements which need to get settled, and although progress continues to be made, there simply is not enough time to qualify crews and do the other work necessary to commence service in time for the summer season,” the executive director stated in her message.

The Rail Authority had to reach an agreement both with Amtrak, which operates the passenger service, and with Central Maine and Quebec Railway, which leases the 58-mile Brunswick-to-Rockland line for moving freight.

The lack of a safety assessment of the tracks was the reason given last year when a proposed pilot project failed to move ahead."