Steve Pesci, UNH Director of Special Projects, Takes Pride in UNH's Transportation Systems

Steve Pesci began his presentation with a fascinating bit of UNH train history: "In the early 1900s, passenger rail was the key factor in the early development of Durham and the UNH campus. Following a derailment, the B&M tracks were relocated westward to a new alignment and an underutilized East Lynn, MA station was moved by the railroad to its current location." (Later in the 1970s, UNH would buy the station for $1!)

Mr. Pesci told attendees that the period between 1967 and 2001 was known as the 'Dark Period' as passenger rail was discontinued throughout much of New England. The rail station deteriorated and by the late 1990s, the station was sealed in with chain link fencing – unstable and untended. Today, the refurbished UNH stop boasts a pleasant shaded outdoor waiting area for students and town residents as they await their train or bus. The station Dairy Bar, a must-stop on campus, serves up healthy sandwiches, ice cream, and super milkshakes.

The Downeaster at UNH began as a mere Friday through Monday stop in 2001. In the fall of 2003, when student use increased substantially, the 'little station that could' went full-time. From an initial annual ridership of some 8,000 students to an impressive 53,292 passengers in the last 12 months, the Downeaster has become part of the university's infrastructure for students and faculty. In 2023, the station celebrated its 1 millionth passenger on the Amtrak Downeaster!

The UNH transportation options are impressive. Students can ride the Wildcat bus system throughout campus and on to neighboring cities at no cost, while the Downeaster provides service to Boston and as far north as Brunswick, with multiple stops in between. Thanks to Steve Pesci's leadership, UNH has campus transportation figured.

TrainRiders/Northeast - Changing the Way New England Travels.
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