ROCKLAND (AP) – It took nearly 50 years, but passengers finally got to travel again by train from Brunswick to Augusta.

The rare trip was part of an excursion sponsored by rail enthusiasts and the Maine Eastern Railroad, which offers seasonal service between Rockland and Brunswick. Saturday’s itinerary was a special event that thrilled rail fans and sought to raise awareness about how the pending expansion of train service could benefit Maine’s economy.

More than 100 riders took part in the trip, which marked the first time since 1960 that a passenger train traveled from Brunswick to Augusta.