Welcome to NNEPRA

The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) is a public transportation authority created in 1995 by the Maine State Legislature to develop and provide passenger rail service between Maine and Boston and points within Maine. NNEPRA manages the budget, contracts, promotion, and customer services associated with the Downeaster passenger rail service. NNEPRA holds a 20-year agreement with Amtrak to operate the Downeaster rail service between Portland and Boston and is party to agreements with host railroads, i.e., Pan Am Railways and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Additionally, NNEPRA manages the contract with NexDine to provide onboard food service and holds liability and insurance policies associated with the operation of the Downeaster.