NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn, appearing at our 35th Annual Meeting, presented her 'Downeaster by the Numbers.' Ridership during the last 12 months was 585,000 - record growth! The Pandemic is definitely in the rearview mirror. Can 600,000 be far behind?

It was the proposed new Portland Station that took center stage. Patrica detailed the impacts associated with the current Transportation Center stop as she listed the annual passenger inconvenience and financial costs associated with the move to and from the current station. 

 

Her summary was beyond convincing, "In CY 2023, 125,000 passengers experienced the 15-minute backup move into Portland Station. This collectively wasted 31,250 hours of passenger time, 3,650 hours of crew overtime and consumed 8,600 gallons of fuel. That total cost is $973,00 annually!" 

NNEPRA and MeDOT are zeroing in on three possible sites along the mainline and after final evaluation, a preferred location will be selected. The station will have customer parking for 101 cars. A detailed report on this project can be found on the NNEPRA website.

NNEPRA's other goals:

• Implementation of 'Positive Train Control' which will allow increased frequency of train service.
• Continue work on the double tracking at Wells and the addition of a northbound platform.
• Examine a new stop in Falmouth.
• The much anticipated pilot project service between Brunswick and Rockland this summer (NNEPRA, Amtrak and the MeDOT are in discussions).

The Downeaster is one of Maine's success stories, thanks in large part to TrainRider/Northeast's vision and NNEPRA's creative and professional management! 

TrainRiders/Northeast - Changing the Way New England Travels.
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