Elected officials in Androscoggin and Oxford counties must work together to get economies growing. The goal should include bringing passenger rail service back to the area. Train service is needed to come from Portland and go to Bethel, then, possibly, to get connected to Canada.

That would connect local communities to a significant population north. Montreal is about 350 miles from Lewiston-Auburn with a population of more than 1.6 million people. Quebec City has a population of about 500,000. Not only would they come this way, but would also take advantage of Maine’s outstanding natural resources.

Maine has borders with one state, but two Canadian provinces. State officials should look to take advantage and be open to develop stronger economic ties with Canada. Establishing passenger rail service would be a great step forward.

Once that is done, Maine could continue to make the connection with New Brunswick. As such, Lewiston-Auburn could become a transportation hub.

I would prefer to take the train to get to Montreal than driving. Other modes of transportation (air and bus) are not readily available. I believe that many others from the second largest metropolitan area in Maine would travel by train to Canada.

It is time people get on board and work toward establishing passenger rail service from Portland to Auburn to Bethel, and then on to Canada.

Philip Nelsen, Lewiston