In additon to New England being a hearth for historians interested in the founding of the United States, vacationers to take in the beauty of the White Mountains of New Hampshire or the Maine Shoreline, and baseball fans to see the Red Sox play in the cozy confines of Fenway Park, New England is also an excellent place for railfans to ride the rails and photograph the trains that run or have run on them.
America's first subway, the Boston T, opened in 1897 and has been running ever since. Now operated by the Massachussetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), it has 3 subway lines, one light rail line, buses, ferries, and commuter rail lines from both North and South Stations.
Speaking of North and South Stations, Amtrak operates from South Station with service to points as far south as Newport News, VA. For those not wishing to travel that far, trains also go to points such as Springfield, MA, New Haven, CT, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, and Washington, DC. Also, The Downeaster started service on December 15, 2001 between Portland, Maine and North Station. Photos of Amtrak's Downeaster service, as well as other Amtrak services in this region of the United States, are in the National Rail Operations section.
In Kennebunkport, ME, the Seashore Trolley Museum is an excellent way to spend an afternoon in the area. Located just north of Kennebunkport, there is an extensive collection of trolleys, subway cars, and buses, mostly from the MBTA. There is a 1.5 mile line (one way, 3 miles round trip) and admission includes rides up and down the line. In addition, you can take a lesson to be a motorman and take a car up and down the line. For more information, consult the museum's website. A link is below.
This train does not continue past this station. In order to continue your journey, transfer to one of the trains continuing past this point, or click "BACK" to take the return trip back to Grand Central. |
BostonMassachussetts Bay Transit Authority
Seashore Trolley MuseumLocated in Kennebunkport, ME. Home of the State of the Art Subway Cars.
Worcester Regional Transit AuthorityThe public transportation system for New England's third largest city, Worcester, Massachusetts.
Pioneer Valley Transit AuthorityProviding public transportation throughout the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts
Rhode Island Public Transit AuthorityProviding public transportation throughout the state of Rhode Island Downeaster ServiceClick here to see photos of Amtrak's Downeaster service in the National Rail Operations section.|
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This line has been in operation since