TrainRiders/NE Set the Standard for States Seeking New Amtrak Service
- Details
- Created: 14 June 2022 14 June 2022
It's no secret that our pride in the Downeaster's accomplishments knows no bounds. But returning Amtrak service to the deteriorating railbed between Maine and Boston was not an easy process. As Governing.com states, "transportation planners thought trains would never be back, but Wayne Davis spent the last 30 years proving them wrong."
Passenger train service to Maine had ceased in 1965. It took a grassroots effort by Trainriders/NE to engage the citizens of Maine, their legislators in Augusta and ultimately the state's Washington delegation to make the 'impossible'... possible.
For those states wanting to initiate Amtrak service, the TrainRiders/NE model gives valuable guidance. The successful service, professionally managed by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, is considered by many to be 'America's Favorite Train!'
A thorough article on our successful process can be found in Governing.com. You'll need to click on "Continue to Site" once you arrive at their website.
Retired Downeaster Conductor Provides Insight into Tragic Double Suicide on Downeaster Tracks in Biddeford
- Details
- Created: 14 May 2022 14 May 2022
The details of the Sunday double suicide are now well known - a homeless couple in their 20s lay on the tracks, got up as the train approached and then hugged each other as they were hit by the northbound Downeaster.
The couple frequented various shelters in the Biddeford area, having eaten breakfast that morning at a local church.
An Amtrak spokesman released the following statement: "According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America, and railroad crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. These incidents can affect everyone involved—those who are injured or die and their families, our train crews, and our passengers."
We interviewed Jim Nawrocki, a former Downeaster conductor and currently a TrainRiders/NE board member, about the responsibilities of train crews when trespassing incidents occur. The interview can be seen here.
Amtrak Covid-19 Mask Mandate Ended, but Justice Department will appeal the ruling
- Details
- Created: 19 April 2022 19 April 2022
UPDATE from the Associated Press (4/21/22):
The Justice Department is filing an appeal seeking to overturn a judge’s order that voided the federal mask mandate on planes and trains and in travel hubs, officials said Wednesday.
The notice came minutes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asked the Justice Department to appeal the decision handed down by a federal judge in Florida earlier this week.
A notice of appeal was filed in federal court in Tampa (more).
EARLIER from the Wall Street Journal (4/18/22):
A federal judge in Florida declared the Biden administration’s Covid-19 mask mandate for public transportation unlawful, throwing out its requirement that travelers in the U.S. wear masks on airplanes, trains, taxis, buses and other forms of mass transit.
U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa ruled Monday that the mandate exceeded the authority granted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under federal public-health law and was issued in violation of rule-making procedures.
The administration had extended the mandate through May 3rd in order to determine the impact of the new Covid-19 variant.
Amtrak released the following statement: “While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while onboard trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.” So masks are optional on the Downeaster.