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Press Release - Governor Celebrates Amtrak's Downeaster Success

Date: Sept. 28, 2006
Location: Portland, ME
Issues: Transportation


Press Release - Governor Celebrates Amtrak's Downeaster Success

September 28, 2006

PORTLAND - Governor John Baldacci today celebrated the continued success of Amtrak's Downeaster at an event announcing the addition of a fifth round trip to the daily train schedule running from Portland to Boston. The Governor noted that the Downeaster breaks ridership records, and reiterated his support for further expansions of rail transportation in the state.

"Enhancing Maine's transportation network throughout the state is vital to growing Maine's economy," said the Governor. "These investments pay off, as we see today with the expansion of service on the Downeaster. Since service began five years ago, 1.2 million people have traveled on the Downeaster. Rail is an economic engine for growth and prosperity in our region."

The Governor recognized the many partnerships responsible for the success of the Downeaster, including the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, Amtrak, Maine Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration, PanAm Railways, MBTA, Concord Trailways, C&J Trailways, the City of Portland and officials from New Hampshire and Massachusetts, as well as Downeaster riders.

"This kind of strong partnership is necessary to build successful transportation options for our citizens," said the Governor. "I have asked many of these partners to join me in reviewing how we can expand rail service beyond Portland."

Earlier this month the Governor signed an Executive Order to facilitate the policy objective of rail expansion in the state. The Executive Order instructs planning and coordination of various public and private entities, including state departments, transportation groups, private business and municipalities to assess economic impact and development possibilities of expanded passenger rail. The order also calls a report of the planning of potential new corridors and service by December 1, 2006.

"We need to bring the promise of access to more affordable, cleaner transportation options to all Maine people," noted the Governor.

http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Gov+News&id=24185&v=Article

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