The NNEPRA Board Meeting heard continuing positive reports on Downeaster performance as presented by Patricia Quinn, Executive Director.

Peformance Statistics:

  • nnepra111Ridership for Nov, 2010 - 40,434 as compared to 37,379 in Nov, 2009
  • Ridership for Dec, 2010 - 40,906 as compared to 35,201 in Dec, 2009
  • Ridership for last six months of 2010 - 260,068 which exceeds the total ridership of 2004!
  • Ridership FYTD is 6% ahead of previous FY.
  • On Time Performance for Nov, 2010 = 85.14%
  • Overall Customer Satisfaction for Oct, 2010 = 93%, Amtrak system-wide = 81%

Brunswick Expansion:

  • nutLayover facility being explored for Brunswick, instead of Portland, which would improve frequency and reliability.
  • Work on Brunswick extension continues, weather permitting - 22 miles of CWR in place with 5 miles remaining
  • Total FRA contribution to extension will be $38.3 million (includes additional $3.3 million granted in December from the FRA)
  • FRA approved the waiver for use of foreign-produced joiner nuts

Other Business:

Conceptual drawings were presented to the board for a waterfront station which would (1) be within walking distance of downtdown, (2) eliminate reversing the train as it heads to Brunswick and (3) facilitate expansion of rail and other services.

Considerable discussion from the public revolved around passenger rail growth beyond the coast and NNEPRA's role as a central force in that growth. Two state representatives spoke as did a member of the Sierra Club.