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.
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Freight Railroad Strike Averted for Now
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- Created: 10 August 2022 10 August 2022
Had the relationship between the freight railroads and union workers led to a strike, the Association of American Railroads estimated a financial loss to the US economy of $2B a day and ultimately impacting most Amtrak routes. Amtrak had already canceled long-distance trains for fear of passengers being stranded on freight-owned rails - the Downeaster would not have been affected by such a strike.
Railroads move 28% of all U.S freight and had the strike occurred, the supply chain would have been severely impacted, and fewer goods available would likely have caused a rise in inflationary pressures on the U.S. consumer. The union members still need to approve the tentative agreement.
More from the Rail Passenger Association:
WASHINGTON – The Rail Passengers Association this morning welcomed the White House announcement of a tentative rail agreement and concessions from the Class I railroads around work rules and time-off policies. We now hope that agreement will be enough to settle this long-running dispute and avoid a debilitating shutdown of our nation's vital rail transportation system.
The Nonantum in Kennebunkport and the Downeaster to the Rescue!
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- Created: 03 August 2022 03 August 2022
On the way to the hotel she filled out an online form (on her phone) and left messages with every Amtrak number, she could find. I reassured her that this was Maine, that we all know each other and that we would figure it out.
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