NNEPRA attended the 2025 Maine Office of Tourism Governor’s Conference on Tourism held at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine on April 16–17. We were thrilled to see our Thompson Point neighbor, The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, awarded the 2025 Stewardship Award.
Conference speakers shared insights, trends, and tools for building strong marketing programs while highlighting the economic impact of travel and tourism in Maine. Governor Janet Mills gave an inspired speech to support continued tourism from across New England, Canada, and beyond.
The Maine Office of Tourism shared the effectiveness of their 2024 efforts and previewed the 2025 marketing campaigns.
The Amtrak Downeaster connects riders to some of the Top Visitor Activities as defined in the 2024 Maine Office of Tourism Highlights, including:
Food, beverage, and culinary
Shopping
Sightseeing and touring
Active outdoor activities
The NNEPRA team engaged potential partners from Maine-made products and services to the outdoor recreation economy, as well as transportation and publication industries. We distributed brand swag to rail fans from all sectors.
NNEPRA proudly supports the State of Maine brand, on and off the rails.
PORTLAND, MAINE – The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) announced that CSX Transportation will begin replacing over 130,000 railroad ties along 124 miles of the Downeaster Corridor, from the Massachusetts state line to Brunswick, Maine, starting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Tie replacement crews will work in eight-day increments, with six-day breaks, through mid-July.
During this time, Amtrak Downeaster trains will continue to operate daily service between Brunswick and Boston. Morning and afternoon peak-hour trains, as well as those scheduled for Boston sporting and cultural events, will operate as usual. However, some mid-day trains will be modified on workdays, with bus service substitutions at select stations. For detailed schedule information, visit AmtrakDowneaster.com.
The tie replacement is necessary to maintain the Downeaster’s operating speed and reliability. In 2023, NNEPRA, in partnership with CSX, was awarded a competitive discretionary Federal-State Partnership grant, administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), to fund $27 million of the more than $35 million project. CSX Transportation is covering the remaining costs. This partnership will allow CSX to deploy resources to address additional projects along the corridor that support and improve the efficient and reliable movement of both freight and passenger trains. These projects include improvements to several grade crossings in Maine and New Hampshire, which will take place in tandem with the tie replacement.
This project follows a successful partnership between NNEPRA and CSX to extend a passing siding between Wells and North Berwick, completed in December 2024. The next phase includes the construction of new boarding platforms connected by an overhead pedestrian bridge at Wells Station, with work underway by Great Falls Construction. Additionally, CSX is installing an upgraded railroad communication and signal system, Positive Train Control (PTC), in partnership with Amtrak. Visit NNEPRA.com for more information on NNEPRA-sponsored projects.
The Amtrak Downeaster, which set ridership and revenue records with nearly 600,000 riders in FY24, is poised for continued success. “It’s exciting to see so many projects underway that will improve the Downeaster service and position it for growth,” said Patricia Quinn, NNEPRA Executive Director. “The short-term temporary changes and service interruptions while track work is underway will result in long-lasting improvements that will benefit the public well into the future.”
The expansion to Downeaster train facilities at the Wells Transportation Center began on March 3, 2025. The project includes the replacement of the existing high level boarding platform adjacent to the Wells Station building as well as the construction of a second boarding platform across the tracks connected by an overhead pedestrian bridge. The additional platform will allow Amtrak Downeaster trains arriving at the station from opposing directions to board and alight passengers simultaneously.
The contract to construct the platform and pedestrian bridge was awarded to Great Falls Construction, based in Gorham, following a competitive bid process. The $11.8M project will support approximately 80 jobs and involve approximately 40 suppliers throughout its 18 month duration.
“We are excited to collaborate with NNEPRA on this endeavor which will enhance transportation infrastructure and serve the Maine community and its visitors well for year to come. It’s a great project and we are happy to be a part of it,” said Jon Smith, President of Great Falls Construction.
Amtrak Downeaster trains will continue to operate throughout construction. A temporary boarding platform will be built to provide passenger access to trains and the traffic flow within the parking lot will be modified while work is underway.
The platform expansion is part of the $31.9 million Wells Area Improvement Project (WAIP) funded in part by the Federal Railroad Administration through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) discretionary grant program, with matching funds provided by the Maine Department of Transportation and CSX Transportation. The WAIP project also included a six-mile extension to the second track located in front of the station, which was completed by CSX in 2024.
The additional platform, combined with the added track capacity, will support an additional Downeaster train which will operate between Brunswick and Wells each morning on a schedule designed to serve commuters travelling to and from the Greater Portland Region. A start date for that frequency has not been determined.
“We are delighted to work with Great Falls on this important project that will provide more options for Maine residents to get back and forth to work without adding to traffic congestion,” said Patricia Quinn, NNEPRA Executive Director. “We are grateful for the partnership and collaboration with our funding and operating partners, as well as the Town of Wells and Maine Turnpike Authority, which owns the Wells Station property, throughout this project.”
On February 7th, Brian Beeler, Manager of Passenger Services at NNEPRA, attended the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s 34th Annual Meeting, where the Amtrak Downeaster was honored with two prestigious recognitions. The service was named December 2024 Business of the Month and received the esteemed 2024 Regional Impact Award, underscoring its significant contributions to the region’s connectivity and economic vitality.
NNEPRA is honored to receive these accolades and extends its sincere gratitude to the Chamber, city officials, and representatives for their unwavering support and commitment to the success of the Amtrak Downeaster. These recognitions reflect a shared dedication to enhancing regional mobility and fostering economic growth.
The Amtrak Downeaster Café is the only Amtrak service in the country managed by a third-party food service group: NexDine. This allows our staff to source food and beverages from local brands to bring customers a true taste of Maine while on board.
Beginning on Friday, February 14th, all trains are now stocked and serving Holy Donut products in three delicious flavors: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Maple Glazed, and Toasted Coconut. Gluten-free options are also available.
The story of Maine’s favorite gourmet potato donut is one baked on passion, determination, and a family bond so strong not even a pandemic could shake their success. We are proud to support a local business now boasting five brick-and-mortar locations, employing more than 120 hard-working Mainers.
Now and for a limited time: When you buy one Holy Donut product on board in the Downeaster Café, you get a FREE cup of coffee. A combination so sweet you will want this train ride to last forever.
The tour started with a warm welcome from NNEPRA Board Member Alison Harris, who also serves as a volunteer at the Brunswick Station, along with staff from the Brunswick Downtown Association, which manages the visitor center at the Brunswick station. From there, the group embarked on an Amtrak Downeaster train ride to Portland, experiencing firsthand the service we’re so proud to offer. The tour wrapped up with a visit to the Brunswick Layover Facility, giving the committee a behind-the-scenes understanding of our operations.
Throughout the day, the group was briefed on key partnerships and discussed projects that are shaping the future of passenger rail in Maine.
We’d like to extend a thank you to all our valued partners who helped make this event a success including Amtrak, CSX Transportation, NEXDINE Hospitality, and the Maine Department of Transportation, whose commitment to enhancing passenger rail service in Maine is truly invaluable.
NNEPRA is looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the Maine State Legislature Joint Committee on Transportation as we work together to enhance and expand passenger rail service for the people of Maine. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with these exciting projects!
PORTLAND, MAINE – The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) announced that the Amtrak Downeaster celebrated a historic milestone—reaching 10 million riders since its inaugural trip in 2001, a result of a citizen initative started by Trainriders Northeast.
A special celebration took place on board Downeaster Train 686 between Brunswick, ME and Wells, ME on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. NNEPRA staff handed out cookies and Golden Tickets (valid for a free round-trip on the Downeaster) to passengers to commemorate their part in this historic trip. The on-board celebration, special community partnerships, and an online giveaway have helped make the 10-millionth rider milestone truly memorable for all involved.
Taylor Auclair, NNEPRA
“Reaching 10 million riders is a significant accomplishment which speaks to the value the Amtrak Downeaster service provides to so many people and communities in our region and State,” said Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of NNEPRA. “The Downeaster is much more than just a train ride—it’s a lifeline for commuters, a resource for students, and an essential link to medical care and other important services. Families also rely on the Downeaster to attend events, explore Maine’s beautiful coastline, and visit loved ones. We are proud to celebrate this achievement and look forward to continuing to serve our communities for many years to come.”
In addition to its significance for passengers, the Downeaster is a cornerstone of the regional economy. Passenger rail service supports jobs and promotes tourism, helping boost local economies in the cities and towns it serves.
NNEPRA is exploring opportunities to expand and enhance service to meet the growing needs of riders and communities in the years ahead. The Portland Station Relocation Project is a priority initiative which will reduce travel time, improve reliability, minimize conflicts with freight trains, reduce operating costs while increasing ridership and revenue and promoting car-free travel.
Special Travel Promotions put in place to Celebrate Downeaster Milestone
The Amtrak Downeaster is celebrating 10 Million Riders by offering special discounted fares for travel during January 2025. “If you already love the Downeaster, or if you’ve haven’t ridden yet, these $30 Round-Trip fares make January the perfect time to take the train!” said Taylor Auclair, NNEPRA Marketing Director.
The $30 round-trip ($15 one-way) fares apply to travel between Brunswick, ME and Boston, MA or any station in between. The special fares are available for sale now and are valid for travel January 1, 2025 through January 31, 2025. Reservations for these discounted fares must be purchased 3 days in advance of travel. Reference promotion code v232.
NNEPRA is proud to be the official T-Shirt Toss Sponsor of the Maine Mariners, this 2024-2025 season. Leveraging a ridership milestone, Marketing Director, Taylor Auclair has secured a partnership with Oak View Group, the official corporate management team of the Maine Mariners.
At all home games this season, Mariners fans can take their chances and try to catch an official co-branded T-shirt during the exciting T-shirt toss.
As NNEPRA counts down to welcoming the 10 millionth rider aboard, partnerships and opportunities to increase visibility and drive trial are at the forefront of Taylor’s strategy.
Season Pass holders can save 20% on all Amtrak Downeaster travel when they book using the promo code V227. Terms and conditions apply. Visit the Maine Mariners Season Pass Holder dashboard for more information.
“It is my hope that by building on the excitement and allowing everyone to be a part of this ridership milestone, we will reach far beyond our established riders and instead introduce new potential customers to our brand and outstanding service.” – Taylor Auclair, Marketing Director
At NNEPRA, the safety of our passengers, employees, and communities remains our top priority. To reinforce our commitment to ensuring safe rail travel, NNEPRA is proud to announce that our staff has recently completed Operation Lifesaver volunteer training.
Operation Lifesaver is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing collisions, injuries, and fatalities on the nation’s railways. Its mission is to educate the public about rail safety through outreach programs and awareness campaigns.
Rail safety is a shared responsibility between railroad operators, local municipalities, and the public. Accidents at railroad crossings or near tracks can be devastating, but they are often preventable with the right education and awareness. By having NNEPRA staff trained, we can help ensure that our communities are aware of potential hazards and spread crucial information on how to stay safe around railroad tracks.
We encourage all of our passengers and local residents to learn more about rail safety and get involved in spreading the word. 👉 Take the rail safety pledge today! Together, we can make our railways safer for all.
NNEPRA’s Project Manager, Jim Russell recently hosted a site visit with representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in Wells, Maine and at the Brunswick Layover Facility.
The Wells Area Improvement Project is designed to increase operational efficiency and safety for both freight and passenger services. During the site visit, Jim guided the FRA team through various upgrades, which included enhanced signaling systems, improved track layouts, and the integration of state-of-the-art technologies.
Brunswick Layover Facility: A Key Component
The Brunswick Layover Facility is another critical element of our project portfolio. Jim took the FRA representatives on a tour of the facility, highlighting the features that allow for efficient train servicing and crew changes.
This visit provided an opportunity for the NNEPRA Team to showcase our progress and discuss next steps with Ryan Bartlett, FRA; Andrew Peternith, FRA; and Chris Murray, Volpe.
