Proponents moving full steam ahead with passenger rail expansion efforts in Maine

MAINE MORNING STAR • February 24, 2025

Though not enough lawmakers were on board with a proposal last session to study a potential passenger rail line from Portland to Bangor, proponents are back at it arguing that now is the time to explore the possibility of expanding passenger rail in Maine. An emergency proposal from Rep. Tavis Hasenfus (D-Readfield), LD 487, is seen as the first step in the expansion. It seeks to direct the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority to apply for federal funding to identify a potential passenger rail corridor from Portland through Auburn, Lewiston, Waterville, Bangor and ending in Orono.