The Downeaster Celebrates Its 10 Millionth Passenger!
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- Created: 19 December 2024 19 December 2024
We've been waiting, waiting, waiting... And now it's official: the Amtrak Downeaster has carried 10 million passengers since 2001!
We interviewed NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn just before Christmas, asking about this milestone, the special projects currently underway, and what she sees beyond the immediate horizon.
Here's the 10 Million Riders press release from NNEPRA.
Amtrak Downeaster Celebrates 10 Million Riders
PORTLAND, MAINE – The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) announced that the Amtrak Downeaster celebrated a historic milestone—reaching 10 million riders since its inaugural trip in 2001, a result of a citizens initiative started by Trainriders Northeast.
A special celebration took place on board Downeaster Train 686 southbound out of Brunswick, ME on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Everyone who rode that train between Brunswick and Wells became the 10 millionth passenger! NNEPRA staff handed out cookies and Golden Tickets (valid for a free round-trip on the Downeaster) to passengers to commemorate their part in this historic trip. The on-board celebration combined with special community partnerships, and an online giveaway have helped make the 10-millionth rider milestone truly memorable for all involved.
Read more: The Downeaster Celebrates Its 10 Millionth Passenger!
Proposal to Tear Up Unused Rail Between Auburn and Portland Raises Objections
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- Created: 12 December 2024 12 December 2024
This is an all too familiar scenario as trail advocates push Auburn town management to support tearing up unused rail lines for trails.
The reasonable alternative is to run the trails alongside the existing rails, thus preserving a valuable asset for future train development.
Trainriders president F. Bruce Sleeper, along with other rail advocates, made the case for dual use of existing railroad right-of-ways.
The full story can be read in the Sun Journal.
Oops! Newspaper Article Ignores TrainRiders/NE's Pivotal Role in the Creation of the Downeaster. Our President was Quick to Educate the Writer
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- Created: 09 October 2024 09 October 2024
Photo: Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald file
We're always pleased when the Downeaster shows up in the media. Such was the case when the Portland Sunday Telegram recently published an extensive article on the underground North/South Rail Link, connecting North and South Stations. A recent Harvard University study resurrected the long-delayed proposal, citing economic, environmental and passenger train efficiency benefits.