UPDATE: NNEPRA Proposes Summer Weekend Rockland Service from May through October!
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- Created: 24 October 2017 24 October 2017
Annual Meetings are always important because the NNEPRA staff summarizes FY2017 Downeaster performance and future goals. The fiscal year ended with 511,422 riders (8% over FY2016), revenue of $8,620,119 (a new record) and passenger miles of 40,742,792 (7% over FY2016)!
One announcement at this year's meeting took many by surprise as proposed Downeaster service to Rockland was unveiled. That means that starting as early as next May, after analysis of the route and public meetings, riders boarding the Downeaster in Boston would be able to add Bath, Wiscasset, Newcastle or Rockland to their weekend tickets. The seasonal service would end in October.
UPDATE: At NNEPRA's November Board Meeting, the board approved the expenditure of funds by Executive Director Patricia Quinn to proceed with route analysis using an Amtrak train/crew as well as utilizing the Geometry Car to determine the quality of the tracks. It is hoped that at the late January board meeting, a decision as to whether to proceed with the proposed service can be made.
There was universal approval of the decision by those present. As one attendee said, "Make it happen!"
We interviewed NNEPRA Chairman John Melrose and TrainRiders/NE Chairman Wayne Davis about the decision.
The Annual Report, which was passed out at the meeting, is filled with interesting statistics and eye-catching graphics. It can be read here.
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NNEPRA September, 2017, Board Meeting
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- Created: 26 September 2017 26 September 2017
The NNEPRA Board held their regular monthly meeting today with Executive Director Patricia Quinn reporting results for July and August.
of 2017.
Local Reporter Rides the Dome Car
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- Created: 01 September 2017 01 September 2017
Reporter Donna Buttarazzi of the York County Coast Star boarded the Dome Car this past week in Wells to sample ridership opinion and experience the ride herself. In addition, she met TRN's Wayne Davis as he was briefing the riders on the car's history.
Her written article can be viewed here.http://www.seacoastonline.com/YorkStar
The car has two levels - below is cafe service and above is the best view on the rails. The pleasure has been increased at no additional cost.
It is associated with specific trains. Catch one before it heads off to the Adirondack service after September 24th.
Monday-Friday trains: #682, #683, #688 & #689
Saturday trains: #692, #693, #696 & #697
Sunday trains: #690, #691, #698 & #699
Fascinating facts regarding the history of the Dome Car can be read here