{jcomments off}Here we are in the same situation we experienced in 2008 during the "big" storm - tracks cleared of fallen trees and wires - almost all power restored to the line in Maine and Massachusetts with only New Hampshire segments without power.  At that time we contacted Maine's Governor Baldacci to ask that he contact Governor Lynch and the Emergency Management folks in NH about getting electricity to the switches, gates, bells and lights, etc. For whatever reason - service was restored very shortly after that call.

 This past Friday, we heard from our friends along the line that when the worst of the storm was over, PanAm was hard at work clearing the ROW of all debris.  Once again, PanAm Rail responded immediately by working night and day to clear the debris and inspect bridges and trestles as soon as it was safe to do so. However, without electricity for signaling systems and switches, the train would take about 5 hours to make the trip to Boston, so service was suspended.  

NNEPRA,  who manages the Downeaster service and whose concern is transporting passengers to their jobs and pursuits no matter what - is running special bus service between Dover, Durham and Exeter to Boston, and Portland, Saco and Wells to Boston for the benefit of pass holders and discretionary travelers.  One could not ask for better partners,  but without electricity the Downeaster is helpless.

So, for the second time in three years  we've made a call to Governor Baldacci's office asking for assistance.  The Maine DOT was notified and immediately became involved trying to speed up the restoration of service.  Right now, PanAm, Amtrak, NNEPRA, and MDOT are doing their best to see that the major delay - electricity to the signaling systems in New Hampshire is restored ASAP.  Still, one has to wonder just why restoration of power to a major rail line is not higher up on the Emergency Managements' folks list not just in NH but in Maine as well.  Providing safe reliable passage for people and goods following such interruptions should be right up there following restoration of power to hospitals, nursing homes, public safety centers, food stores, etc.

"They" say that things happen in threes - if that is so, let's hope that the "powers" are better prepared next time.