TrainRiders/NE Hosts Visit the Amtrak Dispatch Center in Boston
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- Written by TRN Webmaster TRN Webmaster
- Published: 26 June 2017 26 June 2017
You might call it a "busman's holiday" as a large group of Train Hosts traveled on the Downeaster to the Amtrak Dispatch Center at South Station in Boston. As part of their "learning experience," they used public transportation to travel from North Station to South Station, received a full briefing from Amtrak officials at the center (more than 700 trains are dispatched the center daily!) and enjoyed a relaxing lunch at Fanuiel Hall.
Chairman Wayne Davis put together this group with the support of Amtrak Portland Manager Steve Corcoran and NNEPRA Director of Customer Services Brian Beeler, III.
The accompanying video, narrated by Wayne, shows the all-day adventure.
The purpose of the TrainRiders Host Program is to have volunteers serve as goodwill ambassadors; to promote patronage of The Downeaster; to assist passengers with information onboard the train, along the route and at scheduled stops; to assist train crews in duties as requested by them, and to promote rail safety. This all-volunteer group of men and women enhances the Downeaster experience for the riding public. Learn more about the program by going here.
NNEPRA Throws Luncheon for Downeaster Volunteers
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- Written by TRN Webmaster TRN Webmaster
- Published: 06 June 2017 06 June 2017
NNEPRA welcomed nearly 100 volunteers to their Appreciation Luncheon on Monday at the Clarion Hotel in Portland. Many of TrainRiders/NE's Train and Station Hosts were in attendance.
Executive Director Patricia Quinn updated the gathering on the latest Downeaster performance and project news. For many of those present, it was their annual "checkup" on the health of the Downeaster.
The new board chairman, John Melrose, joined Patricia in thanking the volunteers for the thousands of hours they put in on behalf of the service. Mr. Melrose was former DOT commissioner under Governor Angus King.
Those in attendance left with a better understanding of the Downeaster's mission - its relationship with the communities it serves and NNEPRA's plans for Downeaster growth.
We invite you to become a train or station host. The purpose of the TrainRiders Host Program is to have volunteers serve as goodwill ambassadors; to promote patronage of the Downeaster; to assist passengers with information onboard the train, along the route and at scheduled stops; to assist train crews in duties as requested by them; and promote rail safety.
Yes, you get to ride the train for FREE during your onboard duties. Go here for details.
NNEPRA May Board Meeting - FY2017 Continues Growth
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- Written by TRN Webmaster TRN Webmaster
- Parent Category: NNEPRA NNEPRA
- Published: 22 May 2017 22 May 2017
Ridership Report:
Executive Director Patricia Quinn briefed the NNEPRA Board on the Downeaster's Performance. With one more quarter to go, FY2017 has already eclipsed FY2016 in ridership and revenue. Only two months, October and November, saw a decrease in ridership.
FY2017 is well ahead of FY2016 by 33,954 riders or 9%.
Revenue:
Revenue in FY2017 to date was $6,425,859 compared to $5,990,533 - an increase of 7%
Brunswick Layover Facility:
From the Performance Report: "During the first full season in the BLF, the Downeaster posted strong ridership gains and our best on-time-performance in five years." Trains did not have to spend the winter months outdoors but were inside the new facility, where 50-degree temperature made ice and snow removal far easier for the appreciative maintenance crews.
Read more: NNEPRA May Board Meeting - FY2017 Continues Growth
An Era Ends Much Too Soon!
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- Written by TRN Webmaster TRN Webmaster
- Parent Category: Downeaster Downeaster
- Published: 15 May 2017 15 May 2017
2017 marks the end of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus trains. There are two units, the Red Unit, labeled "Circus Extreme," and the Blue Unit, known as "Out of This World."
Some interesting facts from RB, B&B:
*An average of 326 performers, staff and maintenance crew on the train
*33 conventional cars for circus personnel and their families on each train
*4 custom-designed animal stock cars
*2 container flats for concessions storage
*17 piggyback flats which carry equipment, props and vehicles
*16,378 miles - average miles traveled in last six years
*Blue Unit: 56 cars, 4,055 tons and 4,959 feet long
Here's the train approaching Newark, NJ station. Keep watching for the other approaching train that follows it.
The circus began using a train in 1872 - a tribute to the organizational skills of the "Greatest Show on Earth" and the train crews who hauled this centerpiece of American entertainment across our "steel highway." Here's a link to their remaining schedule.
NNEPRA February Board Meeting Hears Good News
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- Written by TRN Webmaster TRN Webmaster
- Parent Category: NNEPRA NNEPRA
- Published: 27 March 2017 27 March 2017
NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn was pleased to share the strong ridership and revenue numbers
First, ridership set a new February record of 37,275 which is 1,321 riders above February of last year. Ridership YTD is 27,816 above the similar period of last year.
Second, revenue set a new February record of $675,094 which is $56,280 above February of last year. Revenue YTD is $381,670 above the similar period of last year.
Third, the Joint Government Oversight Committee of the Maine State Legislature voted 7-3 to discontinue any further investigation of NNEPRA. Last year's investigation had given NNEPRA high marks for its management of the Downeaster service. The investigation had been a pet project of former senator Stan Gerzovski of Brunswick. He tried to bind the new incoming committee to conduct another investigation - the committee voted "no."
Fourth, the very popular Dome car will be back this year from mid-August to late September. You can remember last year's success by going here.