"The Downeaster passenger rail line has proved to be a valuable service for bringing people to and from Maine. It has enhanced tourism to the state and given local economies a boost. The Downeaster has also provided a great convenience for Mainers to travel to New Hampshire and Boston.
"The new agreement will greatly improve the efficiency of the passenger rail service and give travelers more opportunities to use the train for recreation, commuting, and business.
"It is also promising that the agreement will allow a seasonal excursion train to operate between Portland and Brunswick, putting Maine's passenger rail service on the right track for an extension to Freeport and possibly Rockland. This will open up Mid-Coast Maine to the same great tourism, lifestyle, and business opportunities that the Downeaster has brought to Southern Maine."
###