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.
TrainRiders/Northeast - Changing the Way New England Travels.
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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!!!
TrainRiders/NE's Virtual Annual Meeting Held on March 25th - View the Video
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- Created: 01 March 2021 01 March 2021
On March 25th at 2 p.m., our 33rd Annual Meeting was called to order. It was not in a hotel ballroom but on the Internet as a Zoom Webinar.
You heard from Chairman Wayne Davis and former Vice-Chair Andy Hyland about our new proposal for a simplified trip from any Downeaster station to New York City's revitalized Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall). At North Station, you would cross the platform to an awaiting Amtrak southbound train, thus eliminating the frequently challenging and time-consuming subway commute to South Station or the costly taxi ride. Of course, the trip to Maine, New Hampshire & Massachusetts from the Big Apple would be equally accommodating.
You also heard from our guest presenters and were able to ask them questions thanks to Bruce Sleeper's tireless monitoring of the chat channel.
Our speakers:
- Patricia Quinn - Executive Director of NNEPRA
- Eugene Skoropowski, best known for his Florida Brightline passenger rail accomplishment. (PowerPoint file)
- Ross Capon - President Emeritus of the National Association of Rail Passengers (now RPA) (PowerPoint file)
- Andy Hyland - Former Vice-Chair of TrainRiders/Northeast presents our New England States Amtrak connection at North Station (PowerPoint file)
The video of the Webinar has been split into two sections for easier viewing.
Section 1 features our panelists: Patricia Quinn, Gene Skoropowski, Ross Capon, along with Senators Susan Collins, Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree. Go here.
Section 2 details our New England States proposal, eliminating the frequently awkward journey between North and South Stations for those wishing to continue on to New York City. You'll hear assessments of the proposal from town and station leaders and then join Wayne Davis for an in-person tour of the new Moynihan Train Hall in NYC. Go here.