This was our first in-person gathering since the pandemic shut us down. It was a pleasure to associate with each other after such a long hiatus.

We met at The Harraseeket Inn in Freeport and many of our guests, members and friends arrived by the Downeaster, having skipped the crowded interstate highway summer traffic. Attendees who took the train benefited from a discount as did those who stayed overnight at the inn.

Chairman Wayne Davis welcomed all to the meeting, reminding us that while we've accomplished much over the years, much remains to be done. 

MEDOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note emphasized that without Wayne Davis and TrainRiders/NE, the Downeaster would not exist. He also committed to initiating pilot programs on certain proposed rail expansion projects. One example was to run Budd cars on the Rockland line to gain data on rider interest.

 

NNEPRA Ex.Dir. Patricia Quinn detailed the ups and downs of the pandemic years, setting a goal for FY 2023 ridership at 90% of pre-pandemic levels. There were updates on various projects and goals - the Wells station double tracking and second platform effort was well underway; NNERPA continues to pursue the move of the Portland Station to the mainline; the addition of a Falmouth stop and of course, the addition of seasonal service to Rockland. 

Our virtual guests via video were Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King and Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.

Senator Susan Collins congratulated the Trainriders/NNEPRA partnership for creating the Downeaster economic engine. Her Senate committee assignments have positioned her to allocate monies for the Wells Improvement Project and several other NNEPRA efforts requiring federal support. She is a great friend in the Halls of Congress!

Senator Angus King recalled the inaugural run of the Downeaster on December 14, 1991. On board were dozens of dignitaries from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Low and behold as the train stopped in Wells, a moose approached the train. The delighted riders accused him of staging the encounter. He admitted he had no such creative powers, but the symbolism of a moose welcoming the Downeaster at their first Maine stop was not lost on the passengers. He is a great friend in the Halls of Congress!

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner congratulated TrainRiders/NE on its passenger rail leadership and the role NNEPRA, under Patricia Quinn and Natalie Bogart, continues to play in rebuilding ridership post-pandemic and improving the infrastructure. He noted that the passage of the bi-partisan Infrastructure Law provides Amtrak with the resources to expand service, create more frequencies, add new trains and reduce trip times which will bring more riders to passenger rail nationwide. He rode the Downeaster several weeks ago meeting Wayne Davis, Patricia Quinn and much of her staff at the Brunswick Station. Looks like we have another important friend in Washington, DC.

 Bottom line: A great meeting!

• Next