Downeaster Ridership Bounces Back!!!
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- Created: 01 July 2022 01 July 2022
It's an amazing comeback for 'America's Favorite Train!' June numbers are 94% of June 2019, which was before the pandemic. The national Amtrak system is averaging up to 70% of pre-pandemic levels.
TrainRiders/NE Set the Standard for States Seeking New Amtrak Service
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- Created: 14 June 2022 14 June 2022
It's no secret that our pride in the Downeaster's accomplishments knows no bounds. But returning Amtrak service to the deteriorating railbed between Maine and Boston was not an easy process. As Governing.com states, "transportation planners thought trains would never be back, but Wayne Davis spent the last 30 years proving them wrong."
Passenger train service to Maine had ceased in 1965. It took a grassroots effort by Trainriders/NE to engage the citizens of Maine, their legislators in Augusta and ultimately the state's Washington delegation to make the 'impossible'... possible.
For those states wanting to initiate Amtrak service, the TrainRiders/NE model gives valuable guidance. The successful service, professionally managed by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, is considered by many to be 'America's Favorite Train!'
A thorough article on our successful process can be found in Governing.com. You'll need to click on "Continue to Site" once you arrive at their website.
Retired Downeaster Conductor Provides Insight into Tragic Double Suicide on Downeaster Tracks in Biddeford
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- Created: 14 May 2022 14 May 2022
The details of the Sunday double suicide are now well known - a homeless couple in their 20s lay on the tracks, got up as the train approached and then hugged each other as they were hit by the northbound Downeaster.
The couple frequented various shelters in the Biddeford area, having eaten breakfast that morning at a local church.
An Amtrak spokesman released the following statement: "According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America, and railroad crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. These incidents can affect everyone involved—those who are injured or die and their families, our train crews, and our passengers."
We interviewed Jim Nawrocki, a former Downeaster conductor and currently a TrainRiders/NE board member, about the responsibilities of train crews when trespassing incidents occur. The interview can be seen here.