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Rail service revitalizes towns with stops, Maine expert says

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By Jessica Holbrook, Staff Writer 9:04 PM Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A passenger rail line through the Northeast U.S. has revitalized towns and created jobs, but relies on state funding to keep rolling, a rail service expert told a Springfield audience Wednesday, July 14.

That summary was the message for Springfield city officials at a forum Wednesday held to drum up support for a passenger rail system in Ohio.

Patricia Quinn, director of the Downeaster rail service — a passenger rail line between Boston and Portland, Maine — said the train system has benefited her region.

The Downeaster rail service is similar to the proposed 3C passenger rail line that would connect Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati and travel through Springfield.

“We were the first city in Ohio to know we had a station,” said Mayor Warren Copeland. “We want to make sure when the train leaves, we’re on it.”

In January, Ohio was approved for $400 million in federal stimulus funds to create a passenger rail line, but state lawmakers have not yet accepted the funding.

Opponents in the legislature say the federal funds will get the system built, but the costs to operate the system will be cover- ed by Ohio taxpayers.

Quinn’s presentation outlined how the Downeaster service operates, including its partnership with Amtrak; the benefits of passenger rail, including savings in transportation costs; and how towns with stops had been revitalized by the train system.

The Downeaster line recoups about half of its $14 million operating costs. The rest is supported by state subsidies and grants, Quinn said.

She said all public transportation systems rely on state funding to operate.

“At the end of the day, it’s about providing transportation options for people, it’s not about the money,” Quinn said.

About 60 people, including state and local lawmakers, attend- ed the forum.

State Rep. Ross McGregor, R-Springfield, said he wants more information about the 3-C plan before making a decision.

“If we were going to dedicate taxpayer dollars, I think they want to make sure we’re going to make a prudent decision,” he said.

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