When passenger rail service between Portland and Boston was reopened in 2001, it provided a transportation option that was immediately popular, demonstrated by ridership that rose steadily, at least until the economy stalled.

The Amtrak Downeaster plies a 116-mile route from Boston’s North Station to Portland, and for years rail advocates have pressed for a 30-mile extension, from Portland to Brunswick.

This week it’s reported that federal stimulus funds could enable this link to be completed within two years. With $8 billion targeted by the federal government for rail projects, the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and Maine Department of Transportation are seeking up to $39 million.

Continuing Downeaster service north to Freeport and Brunswick would benefit the Midcoast region ”“ and everyone else along the line. The farther one can travel by rail, the more useful the service will be. The rail authority also hopes to upgrade track between Portland and Boston for faster travel, and to increase the number of daily round trips from five to seven.

Elsewhere in the region, rail authorities are pressing to establish passenger rail service between Boston and Concord, N.H., and extending Amtrak’s Vermonter north to Montreal. Such advances will take us closer to a comprehensive transportation network, in which travelers have more options and destinations are more accessible.

Allocating federal money to passenger rail will provide a jolt of economic stimulus, as intended, but it also amounts to a worthwhile investment in the future. Long after the recovery has arrived, the train to Brunswick will be serving the people of Maine.