Most of us enjoy living in our small towns and along quiet roads. There are days, though, when we envy bus and train services in larger places, especially when getting around Lincoln County can be a challenge. This summer, area businesses, nonprofits and many public sector partners are teaming up to bring a summer trolley service to Newcastle, Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor.

The Newcastle-Damariscotta-Boothbay Harbor Trolley Service will run from July to October, Friday-Sunday, awaiting passengers at the Maine Eastern Railroad stop at the Newcastle depot, and running a continuous 15-minute loop in the Twin Villages. The trolley schedule includes a twice-daily service to the Boothbay peninsula, Friday through Sunday. The trolley and train schedule and trolley stops will be included in a convenient map, currently in production.

Local communities, the County, and many businesses in Damariscotta, Newcastle, Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor have been both enthusiastic and committed to the opportunity to build off Maine Eastern Railroad’s new schedule linking with the Downeaster. Summer residents and visitors will have more options for enjoying the great attractions and events in these two destination areas (for a $5 round-trip ticket).

In one of the county’s busiest downtowns, local employees, area residents and summer visitors can park at Lincoln Academy or Great Salt Bay School and travel for free through Twin Villages, taking care of shopping, errands, or going out to lunch and a movie.

Over the past few months, towns, chambers, businesses, and the county have rolled up their sleeves to plan, design and raise funds. Public support has come from Newcastle, Damariscotta, Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor, Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, and Lincoln County.

The Train and Trolley Committee and its many partners see many benefits to a summer service that strengthens the tourism sector, and are already looking ahead to the feasibility of year-round service.

The project also reflects creative and cooperative marketing and promotion by the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce and, and Twin Villages Alliance.

Starting on July 4, hop on board and leave the driving to the trolley!

The parking at Great Salt Bay School and Lincoln Academy is free, and so is the trolley ride around the twin villages. The trolley is dog-friendly, an easy way to “Go Green,” and the most affordable and fun way to enjoy Newcastle, Damariscotta and the Boothbay peninsula.

Keep an eye out for the map and signs, and more info in the next few weeks. To learn about promotion opportunities, schedule and other details, please call Twin Villages Alliance, the project’s fiscal sponsor, at 207-370-6041.