Stop, Look & Listen - The Long-Awaited Passenger Information Display System is Up and Running in Saco
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- Created: 07 April 2018 07 April 2018
Some projects take longer than expected. When NNEPRA's Passenger Services Manager Brian Beeler joined the state agency, he was given the "opportunity" to shepherd to completion the Passenger Information Display System for the Downeaster stops in Maine. Little did he know that it would require eight years to see it finally implemented. In fact, the effort was already "in progress" prior to his arrival. Constant Amtrak reorganizations, technology improvements and vendor changes caused the project to stretch on for more than a decade.
It's now up and running in Saco. Portland and Wells are next. The Downeaster trains are listed in order of arrival at the local station and any delays are posted as well. A pleasant female voice announces the arrival and final boarding call of the scheduled train, the text of which is seen on the display.
NNEPRA can also program any unanticipated delays into the system so passengers awaiting their trains will no longer be left in the dark.
The Saco station now sounds like Grand Central Station. We welcome this helpful new technology - improving the passengers' experience as they await "America's Favorite Train."
No Amtrak Service to Rockland This Year
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- Created: 26 March 2018 26 March 2018
Rockland Extension: At today's NNEPRA Board Meeting in Portland, Executive Director Patricia Quinn informed those present that Amtrak is unable to perform the required risk-assessment of the Rockland branch this year due to the need to assess all their existing routes because of PTC and 'dark territory' issues. Brunswick to Rockland would be a new route.
Ms. Quinn pledged to work closely with Amtrak so that a "more robust" proposal for Midcoast service can be accomplished next year.
Lewiston-Auburn, Kennebunk & New Hamphire - News on Passenger Rail Activities
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- Created: 19 March 2018 19 March 2018
There's been a flurry of passenger rail news from Maine and New Hampshire. First, Maine.
Lewiston-Auburn: Two workshops will be held this month as part of a $400,000 legislative appropriation to examine the viability and community support for service between L-A and Portland. The first will be in Portland on Tuesday, March 27th in Room 24 of the Portland City Hall and the other in Lewiston on Wednesday, March 28th in Callahan Hall of the Lewiston Library from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Read more: Lewiston-Auburn, Kennebunk & New Hamphire - News on Passenger Rail Activities