The Mountain Division Rail Use Advisory Council was officially formed in September of 2021 by former MaineDOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note as a result of Resolve 21, Chapter 239.

Public Law 21, Chapter 239 gives the Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner the authority to establish a Rail Use Advisory Council, upon the petition of one or more governmental entities.

Maine Rail System Map

Railroad Contact Information

Listed below are the railroad owners and operators in the State of Maine.  The contacts indicated for each are provided for those who intend to perform any utility or highway work in the vicinity of the railroad.

The Industrial Rail Access Program has been designed by the Maine Department of Transportation to encourage economic development and increased use of the rail transportation mode.

MaineDOT currently has approximately $2,000,000 programmed for IRAP that will be available beginning January/February of 2026. Please contact Nathan Howard for additional information on available funding at (207) 624-3042.

Focus

MaineDOT recognizes that passenger rail is an important part of the statewide transportation network and affects how people decide to travel as well as where to work and live. Based on information from the various Lewiston and Auburn passenger rail studies, including the 2018 Transit Propensity Analysis, the 2019 Lewiston-Auburn Passenger Rail Service Plan, and the 2023 Lewiston-Auburn Passenger Rail Study: Economic Evaluation Study, MaineDOT plans to pursue the achievable alternative of improved bus service serving intercity and commuter needs.

Past meetings

January 19th, 2023 - Public Meeting

• Meeting Recording
• Presentation (PDF)
• Meeting Minutes (PDF)

December 8, 2022 - Advisory Committee Meeting #2

Focus

MaineDOT, in partnership with the cities of Augusta and Bangor, is conducting a transit propensity study to assess the demand and viability for new or enhanced transit service, including passenger rail and inter-city bus service, between the communities of Portland and Bangor. The study will include a review of relevant traffic counts, most recent data from the United States Census Bureau, population and employment data, all reasonably feasible corridors of service and primary trip generators that could significantly affect demand.

The Office of Freight and Passenger Services (OFPS) forms policy, programs, and projects that improve Maine's freight transportation network as a cohesive system. The national and international trends towards Just-In-Time operations by manufacturers and businesses has increased demand for an efficient, free-flowing freight transportation system which provides more choices to shippers.

Ferry: "M/V Captain Henry Lee"
Destinations: Crossing between Bass Harbor and Swan's Island
Crossing Distance: 6 miles
Crossing Time: 40 minutes
Fares: View Fares
Mainland address for ferry to Swan’s Island: Bass Harbor Terminal, 45 Granville Rd, Bass Harbor, ME 04651. 207-244-3254