A review of February performance numbers demonstrated continued upward growth. Executive Director Patricia Quinn reported:

• Feb, 2011 ridership was 35,927 or nearly 6% above Feb of 2010.
• Feb, 2011 revenue was $493,674 or 4% above Feb of 2010.
• March ridership is expected to exceed 40,000.
• On Time Performance was 72.66% (slow but steady improvement as the weather moderates). March to date is in the 80s.
• Overall Customer Satisfaction Score was 94% - Amtrak's was 82%.

The board approved the purchase of 8.15 acres of land in Brunswick owned by Pan Am Rail for $265,000. The property will be the site of the Downeaster's all-weather maintenance building. For the past nine years, the Downeaster trains have remained outdoors 24 hours a day making maintenance particularly difficult in the winter.

Ms. Quinn annouced that NNEPRA is applying for two federal grants totaling $59 million which would be used to add passing sidings along the Pan Am route and lay double track between Wilmington Junction and Lowell Junction on the MBTA line. This will allow for reduced travel time and help facilitate better Downeaster service.

Old Orchard Beach service will begin On April 18th.