NNEPRA Throws Luncheon for Downeaster Volunteers
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- Created: 06 June 2017 06 June 2017
NNEPRA welcomed nearly 100 volunteers to their Appreciation Luncheon on Monday at the Clarion Hotel in Portland. Many of TrainRiders/NE's Train and Station Hosts were in attendance.
Executive Director Patricia Quinn updated the gathering on the latest Downeaster performance and project news. For many of those present, it was their annual "checkup" on the health of the Downeaster.
The new board chairman, John Melrose, joined Patricia in thanking the volunteers for the thousands of hours they put in on behalf of the service. Mr. Melrose was former DOT commissioner under Governor Angus King.
Those in attendance left with a better understanding of the Downeaster's mission - its relationship with the communities it serves and NNEPRA's plans for Downeaster growth.
We invite you to become a train or station host. The purpose of the TrainRiders Host Program is to have volunteers serve as goodwill ambassadors; to promote patronage of the Downeaster; to assist passengers with information onboard the train, along the route and at scheduled stops; to assist train crews in duties as requested by them; and promote rail safety.
Yes, you get to ride the train for FREE during your onboard duties. Go here for details.
NNEPRA May Board Meeting - FY2017 Continues Growth
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- Created: 22 May 2017 22 May 2017
Ridership Report:
Executive Director Patricia Quinn briefed the NNEPRA Board on the Downeaster's Performance. With one more quarter to go, FY2017 has already eclipsed FY2016 in ridership and revenue. Only two months, October and November, saw a decrease in ridership.
FY2017 is well ahead of FY2016 by 33,954 riders or 9%.
Revenue:
Revenue in FY2017 to date was $6,425,859 compared to $5,990,533 - an increase of 7%
Brunswick Layover Facility:
From the Performance Report: "During the first full season in the BLF, the Downeaster posted strong ridership gains and our best on-time-performance in five years." Trains did not have to spend the winter months outdoors but were inside the new facility, where 50-degree temperature made ice and snow removal far easier for the appreciative maintenance crews.
Read more: NNEPRA May Board Meeting - FY2017 Continues Growth
An Era Ends Much Too Soon!
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- Created: 15 May 2017 15 May 2017
2017 marks the end of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus trains. There are two units, the Red Unit, labeled "Circus Extreme," and the Blue Unit, known as "Out of This World."
Some interesting facts from RB, B&B:
*An average of 326 performers, staff and maintenance crew on the train
*33 conventional cars for circus personnel and their families on each train
*4 custom-designed animal stock cars
*2 container flats for concessions storage
*17 piggyback flats which carry equipment, props and vehicles
*16,378 miles - average miles traveled in last six years
*Blue Unit: 56 cars, 4,055 tons and 4,959 feet long
Here's the train approaching Newark, NJ station. Keep watching for the other approaching train that follows it.
The circus began using a train in 1872 - a tribute to the organizational skills of the "Greatest Show on Earth" and the train crews who hauled this centerpiece of American entertainment across our "steel highway." Here's a link to their remaining schedule.