Articles

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.

The Maine DOT has been studying the cost of extending Amtrak Downeaster service from Portland to Lewiston-Auburn, Bethel, South Paris and eventually on to Montreal. A report on the study can be viewed at Mainebiz.com. The actual DOT study is expected to be released in April.{jcomments on}

From Steve Piper in Dover. The cost/mile figures are from the IRS which reflect the real cost of driving to work.

If Dover is 65 miles from Boston, here's the monthly calculation.

By car:  130 miles (roundtrip) x $0.51/mile (IRS reimbursement rate - includes fuel, wear & tear on vehicle & ownership costs) x 20 work days = $1,326.00 + Tolls of $77.20 ($3.86 x 20) = $1,403.20 + Parking = $350 (low estimate) = $1,753.20 per month to commute to Boston.

Monthly Downeaster unlimited use pass:  $299.00!!!

    

The above video was produced for the Downeaster in March of 2009 as gas prices approached $4/gallon. While the pump prices are now worse, the commute by car remains the same - frustrating, tension-filled and to be avoided at all costs!{jcomments on}

Earlier this week, Exeter citizens voted on 35 funding issues - only one was approved - a $71,000 appropriation for the acquisition of the baggage section at the old train station. Led my TRN board member and Exeter Station Committe President Bob Hall, Article 25 won approval by a vote of 1,127 to 657. Bob called the result, "exciting, big news." The town money will now unlock a federal grant of $280,000. The building will be the first enclosed structure for Exeter passengers since Downeaster service began on December 15, 2001.

Can trains sell themselves? Rich Sommer of TV's Mad Men is confident that they can, and that "our leaders always make the right investment." Unfortunately, in today's political environment, we can take nothing for granted. Watch this video, sponsored by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, then call both of your U.S. Senators today.

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Sections of the old Mountain Division rail line have been used by walkers, joggers and bicyclists in recent years as the no-longer-used tracks awaited resuscitation.

The line runs from Portland to Fryeburg and MDOT is about to lay down new rail along portions of the line so that it can eventually be used for freight and possible passenger service. Trail advocates have opposed these improvements - coexistence with train traffic in some locations along the trail is both dangerous and impractical.

The Portland Press Herald, in an editorial, examined the issue and determined that rail should be the priority. Read it here.