The Downeaster train expands service in Maine ridership up 23 percent tied to gas prices.
source: http://www.keepmecurrent.com/news/Print.cfm?StoryID=52606
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Subsidy deal will fund expanded Downeaster service
By Victoria Wallack
State House News Service
AUGUSTA (April 30): A $30 million federal loan the Maine Legislature voted to cover will extend Downeaster commuter rail service to Brunswick – an investment train enthusiasts say will pay off in more tourism, business development and fewer cars on the highway.
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That money is in addition to the state paying the Downeaster’s $8 million annual operating deficit starting next fiscal year.
The Downeaster currently runs five round-trip trains daily from Portland to Boston and ridership is up 23 percent over last year, an increase transit officials say is tied to the unprecedented rise in gas prices. The $30 million loan, paid back over 25 years, would allow the train authority to run at least two of those round trips up to Brunswick, with a stop in Freeport along the way, by upgrading existing tracks to support higher speeds. The goal is to have the Brunswick service running by 2010.
By Victoria Wallack
State House News Service
AUGUSTA (April 30): A $30 million federal loan the Maine Legislature voted to cover will extend Downeaster commuter rail service to Brunswick – an investment train enthusiasts say will pay off in more tourism, business development and fewer cars on the highway.
Advertisement Maine Country singer entertainer New Hampshire ME
[0]
That money is in addition to the state paying the Downeaster’s $8 million annual operating deficit starting next fiscal year.
The Downeaster currently runs five round-trip trains daily from Portland to Boston and ridership is up 23 percent over last year, an increase transit officials say is tied to the unprecedented rise in gas prices. The $30 million loan, paid back over 25 years, would allow the train authority to run at least two of those round trips up to Brunswick, with a stop in Freeport along the way, by upgrading existing tracks to support higher speeds. The goal is to have the Brunswick service running by 2010.
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