It's no secret that our pride in the Downeaster's accomplishments knows no bounds. But returning Amtrak service to the deteriorating railbed between Maine and Boston was not an easy process. As Governing.com states, "transportation planners thought trains would never be back, but Wayne Davis spent the last 30 years proving them wrong." 

Passenger train service to Maine had ceased in 1965. It took a grassroots effort by Trainriders/NE to engage the citizens of Maine, their legislators in Augusta and ultimately the state's Washington delegation to make the 'impossible'... possible. 

For those states wanting to initiate Amtrak service, the TrainRiders/NE model gives valuable guidance. The successful service, professionally managed by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, is considered by many to be 'America's Favorite Train!'

A thorough article on our successful process can be found in Governing.com. You'll need to click on "Continue to Site" once you arrive at their website.

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