Tag: Public Transportation

Public Invited to Shape the Future of Downeaster Passenger Rail Service at Upcoming Open Houses

Portland, ME — The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) is calling on residents, commuters, and travelers across the region to help shape the future of passenger rail service at two upcoming interactive open house events.

As part of its ongoing Service Development Plan, NNEPRA will host Open Houses:

  • Wednesday, April 29 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM at the Freeport Community Center
  • Thursday, April 30 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM at the Saco Dyer Library (Deering Room)

The Open House will include activities for participation and will include a presentation on recently completed projects, an update on a proposed new station in Portland, and a discussion of future services enhancements and investments.

These sessions offer a unique opportunity for the public to directly influence the future of the Amtrak Downeaster.

Your Voice Matters

NNEPRA is actively seeking input on how people travel today—and how they want to travel tomorrow. Attendees will be invited to share their travel patterns, preferences, and ideas while learning about potential service improvements between Brunswick and Boston and beyond. The Open Houses will also highlight early concepts for expanded passenger rail service in the greater Portland region.

“This is more than a meeting—it’s a chance for the community to help design a passenger rail system that works better for everyone,” said Patricia Quinn, NNEPRA Executive Director… “Whether you ride the train regularly, occasionally, or not at all, your feedback is critical.”

Interactive, Informative, Impactful

Each open house will feature:

  • Interactive displays and planning materials
  • Opportunities to speak directly with project staff
  • A chance to provide feedback on proposed service changes and future investments

Each event will include a formal presentation by NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn, who will discuss the vision for future passenger rail investments in the region.

Be Part of the Journey

NNEPRA encourages all interested residents, businesses, and stakeholders to attend and be part of this important conversation.

For more information, please contact NNEPRA or visit https://www.nnepra.com/project/service-development-plan/.

– Taylor Auclair, Marketing Director at NNEPRA

Downeaster Orientation Tour with the Maine State Legislature Joint Committee on Transportation

On Tuesday, February 4th, 2024, NNEPRA hosted the Maine State Legislature Joint Committee on Transportation for an informative Downeaster Orientation Tour. This tour gave the committee members an in-depth look at the operations, partnerships, and priority projects for the Amtrak Downeaster, including a focus on the important Portland Station Relocation Project.

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!

– Natalie Bogart, Deputy Director, NNEPRA