On Friday, February 18th, NNEPRA staff, joined by special guests Senator Angus King, a representative from Senator Susan Collins’ office, MaineDOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note and Brunswick Downtown Association Executive Director Debra King, recognized the efforts and accomplishments of TrainRiders Northeast chairman Wayne Davis with the unveiling of a bronze plaque installed inside the Brunswick Visitors center. The plaque reads:

“In recognition of Wayne E. Davis, Chairman of TrainRiders Northeast. For his dedication to the restoration of passenger rail in northern New England and his enduring contributions to the Amtrak Downeaster Service.“

December 15, 2021 – The Amtrak Downeaster celebrated 20 years of service, connecting Northern New England with reliable and convenient passenger rail service between Brunswick, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. The service was established as a result of a citizen’s initiative by TrainRiders Northeast to restore passenger rail service to Maine after a 30-year hiatus.   To date more than 65,000 Downeaster trains have operated, transporting more than 8.29 million passengers the equivalent of nearly 674 million passenger miles. Many improvements have been made to the service including reductions in travel time, increased frequency, and expanded service. 

The Downeaster has developed a diversified ridership base which includes commuters traveling to work, students traveling to or from college, school kids on education trips, senior citizens looking for a day out, sports fans, beach goers, tourists and more.   

“And the best is yet to come,” said Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of NNEPRA.   “We are committed to the sustained growth of the Amtrak Downeaster and are exploring innovative ways to improve mobility, advance safety, combat climate change and support a growing economy”.  Initiatives under consideration to support and enhance existing service include inbound commuter service, Portland Station relocation, and the addition of a Downeaster platform in West Falmouth to name a few.

The 20th Anniversary was marked with a celebration at the Wells Transportation Center on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 and featured Governor Janet Mills as well as executive leadership form Amtrak, Pan Am Railways and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).  There were video presentations from Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King and comments from a representative from Congresswoman Chelli Pingree’s office. 

In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of the past, the event included a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on a $22.9M infrastructure project in Wells which will improve Downeaster service reliability and set the stage for added frequencies into the future.  The project is funded in part with a federal grant made possible through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) program which will be administered by the FRA.    Additional funding for the project will be provided by Pan Am Railways and the Maine DOT.   “At the Maine Department of Transportation, we are proud of the productive partnership we have with the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority,” said Bruce A. Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation.  “The enduring advocacy of TrainRiders Northeast, led by Wayne Davis, and the steady work of NNEPRA, led by Patricia Quinn, are key reasons that we are celebrating 20 years of Downeaster service today.  I congratulate NNEPRA and the Town of Wells for embarking on this new project, which will improve passenger and freight rail service in southern Maine.”

To commemorate 20 years of service, a special $20 round-trip fare valid for travel on Downeaster trains during the month of January and February 2022, will be available for sale beginning on December 15, 2021.     For more information visit https://amtrakdowneaster.com/20years.

In recognition and memory of Susan Maxell, a dedicated attendant in the Café of the Amtrak Downeaster, a memorial bench has been installed on the platform in Old Orchard Beach.  Sue began her service when the Downeaster began operating in December 2001 and remained a dedicated employee until her unexpected passing in June 2021.  Her warm smile and contagious laugh will be missed by many.

The New England Railroad Club Executive Committee has awarded Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) with the Vincent R. Terrill Lifetime Achievement Award for her exemplary commitment to passenger rail service in New England and beyond throughout her career.

The Vincent R. Terrill Lifetime Achievements Award was established to recognize individuals who have provided exemplary service to the New England Railroad community through leadership and by advancing railroad services and operations. It is the Executive Committee’s opinion that Ms. Quinn exemplifies the ideals of service to the New England Railroad community exemplified by Mr. Terrill.

“Amongst many nominees considered for the 2021 Vin Terrill Award, the New England Railroad Club Executive Committee has the pleasure of granting this award to Patricia given her outstanding work, dedication to the industry, and her leadership presence in the regional and national transportation environment.” Clary Coutu, President of the NERRC

Her 20 years with NNEPRA have been challenging – she has risen to the needs of the service with grace and dignity, and has been engaged in all aspects of initiating and maintaining the Downeaster service, has cooperated with freight carriers in the region, and has successfully engaged with public officials along the rail corridor between Boston and Maine. An effective leader, Patricia has hired and developed a small but efficient staff to manage contracting, project development and execution, and high levels of customer satisfaction.

Along with her day to day responsibilities Patricia has been active regionally and nationally, serving on AASHTO’s Standing Committee on Rail Transportation and States for Passenger Rail Coalition.

“This award is a tribute to Patricia’s achievements for her longstanding influence in driving continual improvement strategies and forging partnerships that benefit the regional environment of the rail industry in New England and abroad. We believe Patricia embodies the qualities of a leader worthy of the title of this award and praise her accomplishments that further serve to empower women leaders in transportation” Clary Coutu, President of NERRC.

In her role as the executive director of NNEPRA since 2005, Quinn has led development of the Amtrak Downeaster passenger rail service between Brunswick, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts.  Under her leadership, the Downeaster has experienced steady growth in both ridership and revenue and has realized a number of improvements including additional frequency, expansion to new communities, reduced travel time and construction of new facilities all while retaining high levels of customer satisfaction.    Quinn has remained committed to developing strong partnerships, assuring that Amtrak Downeaster service contributes to the economic sustainability of the region, and that NNEPRA-sponsored investments in railroad infrastructure support the movement of both passengers and freight.  

“Patricia is laser focused on improving the Amtrak Downeaster service and the national stature of this service reveals the success of her efforts.   Her enthusiasm, dedication and hard work leave no doubt that she gives the Downeaster her all. She is a transportation leader in Maine and on the national scene and is a pleasure to work with and a leader to believe in” said John Melrose, NNEPRA Chairman.

The 2021 Vincent R. Terrill Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Patricia Quinn at a New England Railroad Club event to take place in 2021. More details to follow at http://www.nerailroadclub.com/events/.

December 15, 2020 marks the 19th Anniversary of Amtrak Downeaster service between Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. Since service started, more than 65,000 Downeaster trains have operated, transporting more than 7.62 million passengers the equivalent of nearly 658 million passenger miles.  The Downeaster transports a diverse cross-section of riders who travel for a variety of purposes including commuter, college students, senior citizens, school kids on educational trips, sports fans, beach goers and tourists and more.

Amtrak Downeaster ridership increased nearly 90% in the fifteen years leading up to FY19 and continued into FY20 as ridership records were achieved in the first eight months of the year.   

Many improvements have been made since service began including reduced travel time, increased frequency and expanded service to Freeport and Brunswick.  There’s more on the horizon!   Downeaster frequency will increase to serve Maine commuters.   Efforts to reduce travel time by relocating the Portland station and to expand access by adding a station in West Falmouth are being explored.   Amtrak is purchasing new train sets which will be used on the Downeaster route in the coming years.

This past year has had its challenges, but Amtrak Downeaster adapted and continues to operate with an enhanced focus on passenger safety and comfort.

The NNEPRA Team is grateful to passengers, crews, station communities, and ambassadors for riding along with us on this journey. 

Cheers to 19 years – there are many more to come!

Like many railroads, the Amtrak Downeaster experiences slippery rail conditions in the fall when leaves and other debris drop on the railroad tracks and are crushed by passing trains. This creates an oily residue on the tracks that can result in train delays.

For the past three years, the Amtrak Downeaster has borrowed the MBTA Rail Washer that is specifically designed to clean the track along heavily wooded areas. The train operates at 10mph along the Downeaster route and consists of a 26,000 gallon tank car filled with water and a flat car that carries the power washer mechanicals that produce 10,000 PSI strength to clean the tracks. The rail washer has been very effective at reducing slippery rail conditions along the Downeaster route.

Check out the rail washer train in action below.

The Amtrak Downeaster has expanded its carry-on bike program and is now accepting bicycles from all Downeaster stations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Newly installed custom-designed luggage racks that convert to bike racks at the end of each car now make it possible to roll bikes on board from any Downeaster station, then secure and store them on the train.  Previously, bikes had to be stored in a special car, restricting access to only a few stations.  Now, standard full-size bicycles may be carried on from any Downeaster station and stored in the designated racks. Because Bicycles are hung vertically by their back wheels using special bike tire hooks to ensure safety, the front wheel, panniers, and bags must be removed.

Bicycle space is limited to four bikes per train, so advance reservations for bikes is required. A $3 to $8 one-way bicycle fee applies.

NNEPRA has been working to improve bike access on Downeaster trains for years. This project could not have been accomplished without the continued support of the bicycle community and the partnership with Amtrak to modify the current train equipment. 

NNEPRA and the Amtrak Downeaster are committed to supporting the efforts of Operation Lifesaver and have joined in observing Rail Safety Week (September 21- September 27, 2020). We are sharing important rail safety tips through our various outreach channels including Facebook and Instagram and hope you will spread the word too!

Every year, 2,100 people in North America are killed or seriously injured when they engage in unsafe behavior around tracks and trains. Operation Lifesaver, the national rail safety education nonprofit, works to eliminate these preventable incidents and educate riders and the general public about the importance of rail safety.

NNEPRA is excited to announce a partnership between Amtrak and the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine at their new location being built at Thompson’s Point, adjacent to the Amtrak Downeaster Station in Portland.

Construction of a modern and open 30,000 square foot Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine progresses and is expected to be complete by Spring 2021. The re-imagined space will serve as both a community hub and an educational resource to support children, educators, and caregivers.

An Amtrak Downeaster Train and Ticket Booth will be a featured exhibit designed for children ages 2-12. The interactive exhibit will feature a modern train locomotive, passenger car, and a station where children can explore and learn from displays featuring current Downeaster schedules and other promotional material.

On June 30, 2020, Patricia Quinn, NNEPRA’s Executive Director and William Gayle, Grant and Policy Administrator attended a walking tour of proposed improvements being evaluated within the Mill District in Biddeford and on Saco Island. This tour was part of Greater Portland Council of Government’s work developing a Transit-Oriented Development Concept Plan for the area. 

NNEPRA looks forward to continuing participation as the study advances in order to leverage Downeaster service to benefit the transit-oriented development potential of this location.

Click here for additional information on the study.