Operating Partners

NNEPRA facilitates the coordination among many operating partners to deliver a quality and seamless transportation service that meets the needs of the traveling public.
Partner

The Downeaster is operated by Amtrak under contract to NNEPRA and is one of 15 State supported Amtrak routes in the country. Per this agreement, NNEPRA reimburses Amtrak to provide the equipment, train crews, Portland ticket agents and reservations services to support the Downeaster.

Partner

Drummac performs mechanical maintenance, inspections, repairs and cleaning of Downeaster train equipment.

Partner

NNEPRA contracts with Epicurean Feast to provide on-board food service. The Downeaster Café features locally produced products such as Amato's sandwiches, Wicked Whoopie Pies, Shipyard Beer and Capt'n Eli’s Blueberry Soda.

MBTA

The 36 miles of track between the NH/MA state line in Plaistow, NH, and Boston North Station is owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and is used for commuter rail service.

Partner

The 78 miles between the Portland Transportation Center and the NH/MA state line in Plaistow, NH, is owned by Pan Am Railways and is used for freight and passenger service.

TrainRiders Northeast

Volunteer Train Hosts, coordinated by TrainRiders Northeast, are often on board the Downeaster to provide passenger assistance.

Station Communities

Each of the Downeaster stations between Portland and Boston is owned and operated by the municipalities in which they are located. NNEPRA coordinates regularly with each of these Station Communities to be sure passengers have access, information and services they need.