The TrainRiders/Northeast annual meeting was held on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. This well-attended gathering featured two guest speakers - Joe McHugh, Vice President of Governmental Affairs of Amtrak, and Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of NNEPRA. (More photos of our guests and award winners can be seen here.)

trnam2010

A video history of the efforts to extend Amtrak Downeaster service to Freeport and Brunswick was presented. Wayne Davis, TRN chairman, noted that such a goal had been set some 14 years ago. The imminent arrival of a $35 million grant from the FRA will fund the rehabilitation of the line. Local officials and business leaders from both Freeport and Brunswick were seen in the video, which can be viewed below.

jmchugh2Mr. McHugh, who is responsible for initiating, developing and communicating Amtrak’s legislative strategy and funding needs to Congress, provided an overview of Amtrak's strategic plan and the funding and operations issues the passenger rail company faces. Amtrak is currently celebrating the best fiscal year to date. With Joe McHugh's permission, we have included his PowerPoint presentation which contains extensive details on Amtrak's operations and three great commercials. This is a large file, but it's worth the download time - go here.

pquinnPatricia Quinn, Executive Director of NNEPRA, brought the gathering  up-to-date on the Brunswick-Freeport expansion, the status of other construction projects and a view of NNEPRA's stategic plan for continued improvement of passenger rail service in New England. Patricia's business approach and her understanding of the transportation industry resulted in a standing ovation at the end of her presentation.

As the 2009 Train Host with the most trips, Bob Robman won an Amtrak ticket for two to anyplace that Amtrak serves! Congratulations to Bob.

These are exciting times as the Downeaster continues is role as "America's Favorite Train."{jcomments on}