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Maine Interurbans and Streetcar Railroads

The information included here covers a general history of Maine interurbans and streetcar railroads once operated throughout the state. Interurban systems were once a common form of transportation for many towns both large and small although they began to fall out of favor in the 1930s and 1940s for the common automobile as its technology and better highways became vastly improved and more reliable. While interurbans served a vital transportation purpose prior to reliable autos and highways from a historical perspective they are fascinating because of many small companies that popped up and also disappeared nearly overnight. During the peak of interurban operations in the country there were even several builders of motorcars including J. G. Brill & Company, St. Louis Car Company, Pullman-Standard, American Car Company, Standard Steel and the Jewett Car Company.

The information below includes short paragraph descriptions of most Maine interurbans and streetcar railroads.

Bangor, Hampden, & Winterport Railway: The Bangor, Hampden, & Winterport Railway was chartered in the late 19th century to connect its namesake cities. The system later became part of the Bangor Electric & Railway Company.

Biddeford & Saco Railway: The Biddeford & Saco Railway connected its namesake cities and operated until 1939 upon which time it was abandoned.

Bangor Hydro Electric Company: The Bangor Hydro Electric Company today is a utility company. However, it once also operated a streetcar operation which served Bangor. It lasted until the final day of December, 1945 when operations were discontinued.

Calais Street Railway: The Calais Street Railway was chartered in March of 1893 to operate the St. Stephen Street Railway Company, which was created in 1891. Streetcar lasted until 1929 when it was discontinued.

Rockland, Thomaston & Camden Street Railway: The Rockland, Thomaston & Camden Street Railway served Rockland and Glen Cove operating between 1892 and 1931 before become part of Middle West Utilities. Streetcars were discontinued that same year (1931).

Androscoggin & Kennebec Railway: The Androscoggin & Kennebec Railway was created in 1919 and took over the operations of the Lewiston Augusta & Waterville Street Railway (successor to the Lewiston Brunswick & Bath Street Railway, originally known as the Bath Railway chartered in 1891). It operated until 1932 when streetcar was discontinued in favor of buses.

Norway & Paris Street Railway: The Norway & Paris Street Railway connected the small towns of Norway and Paris which were once home to paper mills. It operated on a just a two-mile railroad and was abandoned in 1918.

Portland Railroad: The Portland Railroad was one of the state's first interurban railroads. It opened in 1860 as a horse-powered operation and and was operated for over 50 years before being taken over by the Cumberland County Power & Light Company in 1912. Streetcar service in Portland remained until 1941 when it was discontinued.

Portsmouth, Kittery & York Street Railway: The Portsmouth, Kittery & York Street Railway began operations in 1897 serving Badger's Island, Kittery and York Beach. The PK&Y became part of the Portsmouth, Dover & York Street Railway in November, 1901. It remained in service until 1923 when streetcar railroad operations were discontinued.

Atlantic Shore Line Railway: The Atlantic Shore Line Railway served Sanford operating until the spring of 1947 when it became part of the York Utilities Company.

Somerset Traction Company: The Somerset Traction Company began operations in 1895 serving Madison, Lakewood and Skowhegan. The interurban railroad was built for local residents and tourists to enjoy the attractions in the area, such as the amusement park built by the company at Lake Wesserunsett. It remained in operation until 1928 when services were discontinued.

Aroostook Valley Railroad: The Aroostook Valley Railroad dates back to 1909 when it was chartered to connect Washburn and Presque Isle (it later also connected New Sweden, Carson and Caribou). At the railroad's peak it operated 32 miles of track and was electrified between 1910 and the mid-1940s. Around this time passenger operations were also discontinued. Interestingly, however, the AVR continued on as a freight line using General Electric 44-tonners and remained in service until April, 1996 when operations were finally suspended.

Waterville, Fairfield & Oakland Street Railway: The Waterville, Fairfield & Oakland Street Railway served its namesake cities operating from around the turn of the 20th century until 1937 when services were abandoned.

Other notable Maine interurban railroads:

Auburn & Turner Railroad

Augusta, Winthrop & Gardiner Street Railway

Rockland, South Thomaston & St. George Railway

Lewiston & Auburn Street Railway

Portland & Yarmouth Street Railway

York Utilities Company

For a small gallery of photographs highlighting Maine interurbans and streetcar railroads please click here.

For more reading on Maine interurban railroads consider picking up a copy of the book The Electric Interurban Railways in America by authors George Hilton and John Due. Many consider their book to be the quintessential resource guide to the interurban and streetcar movement that was once so common in our country during the first half of the 20th century. At nearly 500 pages the book is stuffed full of information on trolley operations and covers virtually every topic on the subject. If you have any interest in trolleys and interurban railroads and/or would like to learn more about their history I would strongly consider Mr. Hilton and Mr. Due's book first before purchasing any other. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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