Happy Birthday, NNEPRA - Born in 1995!
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- Created: 27 June 2020 27 June 2020
On June 27th, 1995, the Maine Senate cleared away the last legislative hurdle standing in the way of resumption of passenger rail service to Maine. LD 1255, An Act to create the Northern New England Rail Authority, passed by the necessary two-thirds majority, the Maine House having approved it the week before. Governor Angus King signed the bill on June 29th.
From Wayne Davis: "It occurs to me that this act and the last one are important dates not just for Maine - but also for New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Of course, the text goes on to say that without TNE's dogged determination there is little doubt that the bill would have failed - and goes on to thank oodles of folks - Senators Cohen and Snowe, Representative John Baldacci and more."
TrainRiders/NE participated in the writing of the legislation that created NNEPRA - our baby in 1995!
Read all about it in our 1995 newsletter! Click on the old banner below.
Amtrak to Cut Many Long Distance Trains
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- Created: 19 June 2020 19 June 2020
Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris, in a June 15 letter to employees, announced that Amtrak nationally will cut many long-distance trains as a result of a significant loss in ridership due to the coronavirus. He notes that some services have seen a 95% drop in passengers.
But Railway Age asks if some of the services will be permanently eliminated and the national system destroyed. Amtrak to Cut Many Long Distance Trains
Downeaster Service to Resume June 15th with One Roundtrip
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- Created: 10 June 2020 10 June 2020
NNEPRA has announced that Phase 1 of the restoration of Downeaster service between Brunswick and Boston will get underway on Monday, June 15th with trains #680 & #685.
NNEPRA states that the purpose of the service is to "provide commuting options for essential workers and those who are traveling for essential purposes."
Enhanced Health and Safety Protocols will be implemented, which include:
Read more: Downeaster Service to Resume June 15th with One Roundtrip