AUGUSTA – State Sen. John L. Martin, D-Eagle Lake, has been appointed to head a task force created by the Legislature to examine ways to improve Maine’s rail transportation system. The task force will be made up of lawmakers and representatives of transportation groups such as the Maine Port Authority and the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.

“I am pleased to have this opportunity to work with board members to develop a thoughtful rail transportation policy for our state,” said Martin. “Maine must commit itself to a transportation policy that synchronizes rail transportation with its air, marine, and highway infrastructure.”

Maine has six private railroad companies and more than 1,000 miles of track.

“The task force will set a vision for an integrated transportation system to be established within the next five to 10 years to encourage more success stories like Amtrak’s Downeaster service between Portland and Boston,” Martin said.