The NNEPRA Board met and heard the following encouraging news from Executive Director Patricia Quinn:

  • April ridership (42,786) was up 4.2% over the same period last year
  • Revenue was up 1.5% over the same period last year
  • On Time Performance was a dismal 63% - a host of issues including upgrading the wye at the Portland Transportation Center
  • The $35 million FRA grant to expand service to Freeport and Brunswick has been "entered into system" and awaits the signature of the FRA administrator. Assuming the funds are transferred within the next few weeks, construction by PanAm crews could begin by the first of August (45-day ordering cycle on rail and other equipment).
  • Meetings were held with emergency management officials from Maine and NH with the goal of preventing lengthy power outages along the line when winter storms assault the region.{jcomments on}