Date of Award

6-1965

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

Abstract

A general study was made of the Maine Central railroad’s passenger service from 1900 to its elimination in I960. Because of the difficulties encountered in obtaining information regarding the Maine Central, the author has relied upon records of the Maine Public Utilities Commission and other sources.

The Maine Central Railroad once operated an extensive network of passenger trains. Additional services also included airlines, buslines, ferries, and hotels. As the popularity of the automobile increased, the railroad was forced to curtail its passenger service and end all operations of ferries, buses, and hotels. The number of passengers steadily declined, and passenger deficits endangered the financial position of the railroad.

Maine Central introduced articulated streamliners, reduced fares, and operated special trains to offset its losses. However, by 1954 officials began a major campaign to end all service. Several prominent Maine industries supported the railroad’s action in the hope of obtaining reduced freight rates. The last regularly scheduled passenger trains over Maine Central rails were operated on September 6, 1960. While the railroad was correct in arguing that the automobile and subsidized competition were responsible for passenger losses, Maine Central management was also to blame. Railroad buses directly competed with scheduled trains. After 1950 the quality of service rapidly declined, and little was done to promote passenger train travel.

The passenger train problem is national, and the Maine Central presented a special problem because of its geographical location and lack of many industries along its routes to provide adequate freight revenues. Future students of Maine railroad history must take this into consideration in order to understand the railroad’s problem. While many questions regarding Maine Central’s passenger service remain unanswered, it is hoped this study may provide a foundation for further research.

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