Why do we have to include NNEPRA in the first place, why does everything that has do with rail must be Amtrak? Just mention Amtrak and costs rise 110%. The T in Boston runs commuter rail which works fine most of the time..LOL Currently, the Downeaster has to borrow a T engine to bail them out due to poor old engines. it's just frustrating to hear from career politicians, lifelong MDOT officials, Nate Moulton who is mr rail is all about rails to trails, was a big promotor of Guilford, and is reluctant to promote anything that will negatively affect MDOT(Federal funds) that are earmarked for road projects. Currently, Conway Scenic is pushing for passenger/freight on the Mtn Division line. If CCR wants to link with Amtrak, all the cars would have to be Amtrak ready. This is the same problem that was seen on the Rockland Line. This state can never look at the glass being half full or half empty. Let a pvt company run a commuter rail to Portland, then let them do it.. We would be better off to rid Amtrak and go with the MBTA(T) to Boston. If I had to option to go direct to NYC, keep Amtrak,
markhb
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As things stand, the Maine legislature has accepted the recommendation of the Rail Use Advisory Council to convert the Mountain Division to a trail ("until rail," tee hee), although they declined to fund any such work. So CSRR is kind of out in the cold on that one. And Amtrak is in the mix because CSX is legally required to work with them when they want to run passenger service; they can frustrate, delay and obfuscate, but ultimately they have to work with them. They are under no such requirements where the MBTA is concerned; they don't even need to pick up the phone.
Plus, replacing Amfleets (or even Horizons if they ever come back) with lame MBTA commuter cars? No cafe? Given that there is not a critical mass of commuters using the train and the MBTA's mission is to alleviate traffic in Boston, I don't see that they'd have any interest in the Portland run.
Plus, replacing Amfleets (or even Horizons if they ever come back) with lame MBTA commuter cars? No cafe? Given that there is not a critical mass of commuters using the train and the MBTA's mission is to alleviate traffic in Boston, I don't see that they'd have any interest in the Portland run.