Maine Eastern Railroad (MERR) has confirmed that Friday through Sunday train service from Brunswick to Newcastle, starting July 4, that will coordinate with the Amtrak Downeaster’s service into Brunswick from Boston.

Local planning continues for “Train and Trolley” services to connect train customers to downtown Newcastle–Damariscotta and the Boothbay peninsula via trolley service on the weekends from July 4 to October 5, 2014.

When the train arrives in Newcastle a free trolley awaits, ready to take passengers on the 3-minute ride to the heart of historic Damariscotta village. Twice a day, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the trolley departs from Newcastle to the Boothbay Harbor Region and returns from Boothbay to Newcastle at 11:10 a.m. and 3:10 p.m.

The Newcastle-Damariscotta local trolley service is free; the Boothbay portion is $5 round-trip and $3 when it is included in your rail ticket. A traveler can come or go from Newcastle to Brunswick on the MERR and then take the Amtrak Downeaster from Brunswick all the way to Boston. Plus, anyone is welcome to ride the trolley regardless of whether they are going on or off the train.

The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce is working in collaboration with the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce to provide local businesses the chance to showcase their business to this audience through promotional advertising packages for this service for as little as $25! The premier sponsorship includes maming rights for $1,000; the next level is a trolley stop for $250; a sponsor at $175; advertiser at $100 and a supporter at $25.

The chambers will answer any questions. The checks and artwork for ads and signs go to the Twin Village Alliance (TVA) which is the fiscal agent for this collaboration with the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce, and local municipalities including: Newcastle, Damariscotta, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, Lincoln County Commissioners, businesses and individuals.

The Twin Villages Alliance is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit made up of a network of businesses, nonprofits and individuals who put collaboration first. They help to address some of the challenges facing local businesses and communities.

The Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting, informing and supporting its nearly 250 members from more than 20 communities in order to enhance the business environment of the Damariscotta Region.

Since being founded 52 years ago in 1962, the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce has grown into a first-rate, multi-service membership organization that currently serves over 380 members in the Boothbay Harbor region.