Bring back rail service

The op-ed commentary, “Let the train take the strain” (BDN, Aug. 17), by Brenda Nasberg Jepson, was impressive. We should do something about getting our railroads back in service.

On Aug. 7, I went to Philadelphia on Amtrak and it was a comfortable ride, with room to stretch out my legs. The new modern trains are more comfortable.

When a wheel rolls on a rail it’s like a bearing, the load simply goes easier; that means more load can be pulled for a given amount of fuel than a rubber wheel on asphalt, and it is kinder to the environment.

The tandem hook-up the trucks use is dangerous; truck trains don’t belong on the road not to mention that it wrecks the roads. If the trucks are going to do this, then we need to get our railroads back so tandem hook-ups can be done on trains.

With so much delay at airports, flying isn’t as fast a way to travel now, depending on where you’re going. Also, airlines don’t serve food anymore. On the train there is a cafeteria car and the prices are reasonable.

The Downeaster train from Portland to Boston is a success story. I would like to see Amtrak come to Bangor, and maybe it would if northern Maine could get a new modern railway system.

Donald Bickford

Orland