The NNERPA Board met on November 24th. Here are the highlights:

  • Oct 08 ridership was 44,429, a 22.9% increase over Oct 07

  • Oct 08 ticket revenue was $562,277, a 19.4% increase over Oct 07

  • The Customer Satisfaction Index was 90% (3 month average)

  • Oct 08 On Time Performance was 58%

The poor OTP of 58% is primarily the result of four Massachusetts bridges requiring significant slow orders (5 mph). Aside from the Merrimack River Bridge in Haverhill, there are three other smaller bridges requiring slow orders on the MBTA line.  PanAm has repaired the approach to the Portland Transportation Center which was causing a five minute delay on trains entering Portland. There is a $500 thousand FRA grant that will permanently upgrade that approach. Amtrak is working with NNEPRA to address all aspects of the on time performance issue.

The request for public comment on the proposed fare increase resulted is 25 letters - 21 of which were in opposition. The board decided to postpone the implementation of the increase from January 1, 09 to February 1, 09.

NNEPRA and MeDOT are working to complete the application process for the $31 million federal loan that will rehabilitate the PANAM tracks to Brunswick. Once completed, the Downeaster plans to expand its service to Freeport and Brunswick.