We sent an earlier email about the strong August ridership figures - up 34.3% over August of last year.

At today's NNEPRA Board Meeting, Executive Director Patricia Quinn added context to that headline.

• August, 2008 was the first ever 50,000+ ridership month - 50,854 - making it the busiest month in Downeaster history.
• August, 2008 had the highest monthly revenue ever recorded - $771,936 - exceeding August of '07 by 38.2%.
• The 5th roundtrip was added in August, 2007.
• Travel between Maine stations and Boston increased about 32%.
• Riders traveling between Saco, Old Orchard Beach or Wells and Boston increased approximately 45% over last year.
• In spite of the low On Time Performance of 52.9% (speed restrictions, broken culvert replacement, Merrimac River Bridge issues), the Customer Satisfaction Index stood at 91%. Amtrak's system-wide CSI was only 78%.