The NNEPRA board heard encouraging news from Executive Director Patricia Quinn. 

• February ridership was up 5% over February of last year and that was in spite of the fact that a hateful late February storm wiped out service on what was to have been a fully-booked weekend. Overall ridership is down 3% so far in FY 2010 as compared to FY '09, but at one point is was down 5%...slow and hopefully steady improvement.
  
• Ms. Quinn reported that she is talking with Maine and NH officials to establish the Downeaster on a priority list for the resumption of power following destructive storms. 
• Ridership, revenue and passenger miles increased from January, 2010.
• On time performance was 78%
• The Downeaster's customer satisfaction was 98%. Amtrak's overall satisfaction is 82%.
• Amtrak is currently assessing the requirements for Downeaster service to Auburn.
• Patricia met with the FRA in Washington to firm up details associated with the release of the $35 million grant to expand service to Freeport and Brunswick. She is hopeful that construction could begin in June.
• The new Passenger Service Manager was introduced. He is Brian Beeler and he has already received his baptism by water, wind and fire (flooded tracks, blown down trees and a grass fire).
  
• Old Orchard Beach reopens on April 19th.
  
• The President signed an extension of the Surface Transportation Bill through December of this year thus giving state's some stability in federal funding.