Success always seems to come with some problems, and in Brunswick, the noise from the idling train is a concern.  The good news is that ridership for the Amtrak Downeaster’s first month of passenger service to Freeport and Brunswick was higher than expected. 80% higher that expected!

But because of the Downeaster’s coastal run being a hit, the noise generated by the train remains a concern for some residents who live near the tracks. Especially in Brunswick, residents have complaints about noise created while the trains idle for an average 5½ hours a day.  Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority has a plan in the works to address the noise, like a maintenance facility and an area where the train could be “plugged in” for power so it does not have to idol. But those ideas and plans come with concerns and questions for residents as well.

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