For everyone here already writing off Amtrak, Maine's Downeaster service is due to start this saturday, the 14th after being left without passenger rail for 30 years! Here is a photo of the new logo: Russ Hoffman Valley RR [ 11 December 2001: Message edited by: rush2ny ]</p>
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by E-8: Too bad it won't come up to the poor part of Maine! Charlie <hr></blockquote> Charlie, what is so "poor" about that part of Maine, that is probably one of the most ruggedly beautiful, pristine areas on the face of the earth! It was my impression that you folks "down east" were staunch individualists, undaunted by adversity! Hey, I still like Maine enehay! Was just in Kennebunkport in June! I know that is not as far up as you live, but just the same, Maine is a beautiful State!
Hi Charlie ... Well, the people around here have bumper stickers on their cars that say, "I live in the other state of Maine - Washington County." This is not the rich part of the state, nor the part of the state that most tourists see unless they are on their way to PEI. In fact, it's safe to say that this part of the state does not have much going for it in the way of industry or economic development. In Maine you will often hear about the "2 Maines" and that is really true. I'm what the locals call a "transplant" - I'm originally from Wichita, Kansas but I do like the area. It needs something though. Trains would be a good start - they've paved over most of the tracks around here. Charlie [ 12 December 2001: Message edited by: E-8 ]</p>
Here is the AP article about the innaugral run yesterday. P.S. Charlie - I do not know exactly where you are in Maine but plans are already in the works for an extension up to Brunswick. Check out http://www.thedowneaster.com Russ Hoffman Valley RR Amtrak Launches New Service By DAVID SHARP .c The Associated Press PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Rail enthusiasts lined up early Saturday morning to board the Amtrak Downeaster on its first regularly scheduled run from Portland to Boston. The sold-out departure marked the first time passenger trains have traveled that route since 1965. It took 13 years of planning and delays and more than $50 million in public funds spent on track upgrades and equipment to implement the new route. Martyn Payson said his friends were envious that he was able to snare a ticket. ``They're jealous. We're pioneers,'' said Payson of Falmouth as he stood shoulder to shoulder with bleary-eyed travelers waiting to board the 6:10 a.m. train. Lionel and Marilyn Caron of Lisbon woke up at 2:30 a.m. to drive to Portland. ``It shows you how nuts we are,'' said Lionel Caron. It was dark and raining when passengers boarded. ``There's something romantic about a train,'' said Ruth Finch. ``At 6 o'clock in the morning?'' quipped Payson, her friend. The new service started a day after a panel began work on a new blueprint for America's passenger rail system that would take much or all of Amtrak's authority and divide it among states or private companies. Michael Dukakis, Amtrak's acting chairman, said Friday that Congress needs to fund Amtrak as part of a national transportation policy. The former governor of Massachusetts traveled the new route Friday on an inaugural run for dignitaries. With an engine, three passenger cars and a cafe car, the Downeaster can carry 230 passengers. For now, the Downeaster is restricted to 60 mph and the 114-mile trip will take 2 hours and 45 minutes. Operators hope to boost the speed to 79 mph, which would cut the trip to 2 hours and 20 minutes.
