NNEPRA's Patricia Quinn Outlines Goal of New Portland Station
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- Created: 07 June 2024 07 June 2024
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 $973,000 annually!"
NNEPRA and MeDOT are zeroing in on three possible sites along the mainline. Final evaluation has selected number 3 as the preferred location. 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!
TrainRider/Northeast - Changing the Way New England Travels.
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Steve Pesci, UNH Director of Special Projects, Takes Pride in UNH's Transportation Systems
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- Created: 17 May 2024 17 May 2024
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.
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TrainRiders/Northeast's 34th Annual Meeting a Big Success!!!
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- Created: 18 August 2022 18 August 2022
This was our first in-person gathering since the pandemic shut us down. It was a pleasure to associate with each other after such a long hiatus.
We met at The Harraseeket Inn in Freeport and many of our guests, members and friends arrived by the Downeaster, having skipped the crowded interstate highway summer traffic. Attendees who took the train benefited from a discount as did those who stayed overnight at the inn.
Chairman Wayne Davis welcomed all to the meeting, reminding us that while we've accomplished much over the years, much remains to be done.
MEDOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note emphasized that without Wayne Davis and TrainRiders/NE, the Downeaster would not exist. He also committed to initiating pilot programs on certain proposed rail expansion projects. One example was to run Budd cars on the Rockland line to gain data on rider interest.
Read more: TrainRiders/Northeast's 34th Annual Meeting a Big Success!!!