Host Program
The TrainRiders Host Program is an organization of volunteer train hosts functioning under the direction of TrainRiders/Northeast. The Downeaster passenger rail service is sponsored by the State of Maine through the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and is operated by Amtrak. The Downeaster operates five roundtrips daily from Portland, Maine and North Station in Boston, Massachusetts with stops in Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Wells, Maine, Dover, Durham and Exeter, New Hampshire and Haverhill, Massachusetts.
The purpose of the TrainRiders Host Program is to have volunteers serve as goodwill ambassadors; to promote patronage of The Downeaster; to assist passengers with information onboard the train, along the route and at scheduled stops; to assist train crews in duties as requested by them; and to promote rail safety.
Acceptance as a train host is contingent upon preliminary screening by the Host Committee, satisfactory completion of training and completion of "qualifying" trips with a qualified host.
Annual participation in the TrainRiders Host Program requires payment of a membership fee and includes a Host ID badge, a quarterly newsletter and an annual meeting invitation. Duties include arriving at the boarding station 30 minutes before train departure, obtaining needed supplies of informational handouts, introducing yourself to the conductor, assistant conductor and passengers, regularly walking through the train providing information, handouts and assistance to passengers as needed or requested, observing for hazardous conditions, cleanliness, heating and cooling conditions in the coaches and café car, assisting with keeping the train neat and orderly and returning completed trip reports to assist in evaluating the service.
Click HERE to download the Train Host Program Application Form
Station Hosts
TrainRiders/Northeast currently has volunteer hosts at several of the stations along the route. The Saco station will be dedicated on February 27th. We are currently looking for new hosts to assist passengers in Saco. It's a great place to volunteer.
Volunteers will greet travellers and visitors, act as goodwill ambassadors, instruct those wishing to purchase tickets on the use of the Quiktrak ticket machine, hand out literature and schedules and answer questions about local businesses, etc.
During the day, the Saco Chamber of Commerce Offices located off the Waiting Room will assist - so initially we are only looking for coverage for the evening trains when the Chamber Office is closed.
Coverage from 5PM to 9PM, seven days a week. The first shift would be from 5 to 7PM with the second shift from 7PM to 9PM.
This is a great opportunity to spend time promoting public transportation and our Downeaster service in America’s first “green” Rail/Transportation Center while enhancing the travel experience for everyone.
Please email TrainRiders/Northeast at info@trainridersne.org or call 207-879-7245 (TRY-RAIL) if interested in participating in the Saco Station Host Program (A great way to ward off the winter “blahs”). Click here to see the new station in all its glory.
Click HERE to download the Station Host Program Application Form
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