I strongly support passenger train service because it provides better opportunities to travel to other communities to enjoy various events. Having passenger rail service for Lewiston-Auburn would be greatly beneficial for not only those of us who have limited mobility, but also the elderly who would prefer not to drive.

I have limited mobility and, therefore, must use a motorized wheelchair. Transportation systems are extremely important in my life because they need to provide accessibility.

I encourage all Maine elected officials to consider the needs of all the people when deciding to fund the $500,000 needed to establish a plan to bring rail service to Lewiston-Auburn and western Maine. That action is necessary in order to begin the process of upgrading the tracks, signs, etc., because the next step would require submitting a proposal to secure federal funding.

Passenger rail service would help bring economic development which is dearly needed in this area.

Residents of Lewiston-Auburn and the surrounding communities must speak up in support of establishing passenger rail service in this area.

Let’s not let this opportunity slip away.

It is Lewiston-Auburn and western Maine’s turn to get passenger rail service.

Phil Nelsen, Lewiston