The mission of Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority is “To develop and manage a quality passenger rail system that meets the transportation needs of our customers, delivers value and enhances economic development within the region we serve”. On August 1, 2019, Marketing & Sales Coordinator Jenn Crosby shared with us how NNEPRA is working to fulfill this mission in Maine.
With a team of eight, including a project manager, data analyst, grants manager, and sales & marketing, NNEPRA is actively i
nvolved in the operation and promotion of the Amtrak Downeaster. They manage contracts and projects and work hard to establish strong collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and local communities to sustain and continue to grow the Downeaster. Jenn is often out in the community attending events, trade shows, Rotary meetings, etc.
nvolved in the operation and promotion of the Amtrak Downeaster. They manage contracts and projects and work hard to establish strong collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and local communities to sustain and continue to grow the Downeaster. Jenn is often out in the community attending events, trade shows, Rotary meetings, etc.The Downeaster makes 5 daily round trips from Brunswick to Boston along a 143-mile corridor with 12 stations in three states. This includes six stations in Maine – Brunswick, Freeport, Portland, Old Orchard, Saco and Wells. The tracks are owned by Maine DOT, Pan AM Railways and MBTA, so they must work closely with these organizations on scheduling. The Downeaster has many passenger amenities such as free Wi-Fi, Downeaster Café, spacious seating and volunteer train hosts. They are also pet friendly for a nominal fee.
The 
Downeaster started in December 2011. Since then they have carried over 7.6M passengers with $117M in passenger revenue. They also receive state support. People ride the train for many reasons – 40% of passengers travel for leisure, and event or shopping; 26% visit friends or relatives; 24% ride for business; and the remainder travel for medical appoints, education or other reasons.
Downeaster started in December 2011. Since then they have carried over 7.6M passengers with $117M in passenger revenue. They also receive state support. People ride the train for many reasons – 40% of passengers travel for leisure, and event or shopping; 26% visit friends or relatives; 24% ride for business; and the remainder travel for medical appoints, education or other reasons.There are many travel packages and discounts for individuals and groups to encourage people to use the train. For example, people 65+, people on disability/Medicare, and children receive 50% off the fare. There are also Cancer Care reduced fares and multi-ride passes available for frequent travelers. In addition, there are travel packages for family-friendly day trips, culinary adventures, and theater tickets, among others.
Several development projects in progress or recently completed in areas near Downeaster stations are creating jobs, revitalizing downtowns and generating increased revenues for local businesses. These include the build-out at Thompson’s Point in Portland, Brunswick Station Apartments and the Saco Island complex. In time, they hope to extend the line to Rockland.
Jenn brought along a lovely children's books called The Train to Maine by Jamie Spencer which we have donated to the Walker Memorial Library. She also raffled off two round trip tickets on the Downeaster won by Henry Saunders. Congratulations Henry and Karen!!
To learn more about the Downeaster, explore their package options or purchase tickets, visit: https://amtrakdowneaster.com/