Patricia Quinn, executive director of Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), discussed how the Downeaster supports our communities.  NNEPRA is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and over the years has transported 73 million passengers, and 1121 bicycles. 

Planning for spring 2027 a 6^th train will be added leaving Wells and arriving in Portland by 8 o’clock for workers in Portland.  The goal is to add a 7^th and 8^th train, roughly a train every 2 hours in the next few years. 

The Wells station is expected to be completed in the fall, and planning is underway for a new station in Portland and an additional stop at West Falmouth Crossing.

David Swirk,  President and general manager, Conway Scenic Railroad.

Mr. Swirk explained that in reality he is running a track construction company, as well as offering an experience for the guests riding his trains.

In the past six years he has doubled the company, and increased passengers by 14% from the last year.  He has 76 team members working at the railroad.

But Swirk came from logistics and property management, having set up distribution centers for Lowes using rail services in Florida and Massachusetts.  He hopes to do the same for the Mountain Division Line, owned by the state of New Hampshire and Maine running from North Conway to Portland where freight cars can be transferred to CSX.

He has paid for a study by TEK associates, which shows the cost of bringing the line up to freight service.  In New Hampshire he has created a $45 million dollar economic impact, and wants to do the same for the communities along the Mountain Division.

As he says – trains go in one place, trails can go any place.

Finn Kelly, Business Development and Government Relations Manager, Cumberland and Knox Railroad.

As the business developer, Mr. Kelly discussed what it is like to start a new short-line carrier, the Cumberland and Knox Railroad (CKRR)on the "Rockland Branch" serving Bath to Rockland. 

CKRR is an RFP class 3 railroad, and it is all about service and building relationships in creating  a successful operation.

The freight business is growing, and is greater than expected, and plans are underway for a non-profit seasonal excursion service to start later this summer. 

Dale Doughty, Maine DOT Commissioner, discussed the total Maine transportation budget.  At present there is a 4.8-billion-dollar 3-year plan, but with the new federal budget there will need to be some changes.  There is a new gap between what the state is expected to pay and federal funds, so there will be a cut in contracts for long-term funding until it is stabilized.  The goals will remain unchanged, but the timeline will need to be adjusted.