George Betke’s letter to the editor “Rail service too costly for passenger volume” (Page D3, April 10) raises a legitimate concern regarding the cost-ridership ratio of the Downeaster service to Brunswick.
However, readers must also consider the following before rushing to judgment regarding whether rail passenger service is worthwhile. The present service utilizes existing, legacy Amtrak equipment that is not optimal for present demand between Portland and Brunswick.
More economical, Federal Railroad Administration-compliant, self-propelled diesel equipment should be considered for future replacement of Downeaster equipment and for extensions of rail service in Maine.
Demand will grow as additional frequencies are added to the schedule. Construction of the Brunswick layover facility will enable the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority to alter the present schedule so that all five Downeaster trains will originate and terminate in Brunswick.
Extension of passenger rail service to Brunswick has spurred economic development and continues to bring economic benefits to the region.
The service has resulted in millions of dollars in private investment including the construction of a new hotel, office complex and other new businesses. Benefits are not just a temporary phenomenon – they show up on property tax rolls and generate additional business profits every year.
Railroad corridor and track upgrades required for passenger services also benefit freight rail services. The rebuilding of Pan Am’s Maine line from Portland to Plaistow, New Hampshire, and the recent announcement of Poland Spring’s intermodal shift from truck to rail are examples that are making significant contributions to Maine’s economy.
Expansion of passenger rail also provides greater mobility choices for millennials and seniors who don’t want to drive and has the potential to save lives, cut costs, ease traffic congestion, reduce pollution and mitigate climate change, and create future growth opportunities that generate new jobs.
Richard Rudolph
chairman, Rail Users’ Network
Portland
Jack Sutton
former president, Maine Rail Group
Belgrade
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