States for Passenger Rail Coaltion


The States for Passenger Rail Coalition is an alliance of State and Regional Transportation Officials who work together to promote the development and growth of Intercity Passenger Rail as part of an integrated national transportation network.

Maine

http://www.maine.gov/mdot/railplan/index.htm

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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 Amtrak 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.

DOWNEASTER HIGH SPEED RAIL PROGRAM:

  • The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) was awarded a $35 million High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) grant to expand Downeaster service through Freeport to Brunswick. This project is improving transportation, creating hundreds of jobs and stimulating economic growth.
  • In anticipation of Downeaster service to Brunswick, private developers are investing more than $30 million in the Maine Street Station Complex which includes a train station, restaurants, retailshops, office space, medical center, plus a 52 room inn.
  • Under NNEPRA's leadership, Maine was the first state in the nation to put rail on the ground under the HSIPR program and the project is being showcased by the U.S. Department of Transportation as a model of national success

Current Passenger Rail Service

    Downeaster Logo
  • The Amtrak Downeaster makes five daily round trips between Portland and Boston linking 10 communities in three states.
  • The Downeaster operates at speeds up to 79 mph along a 116-mile corridor over 78 miles of track owned by Pan Am Railways and 36 miles owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Portland to Boston travel time is approximately two and a half hours
  • To date, the Downeaster has transported more than 3.6 million passengers, generating more than $46 million in ticket revenue and relieving more than 260 million passenger miles from our roads.
  • Annual ridership, which was nearly 475,000 in FY2010, has increased 89% since 2005
  • The Downeaster has significantly contributed to a healthy railroad network by leveraging more than $110 million in federal funding which has improved the rail infrastructure supporting freight service to manufacturers throughout the state.
  • As with all modes of transportation, the operation of the Downeaster requires ongoing public financing. About half of the operating costs are recovered by fares, the remainder is paid for through a combination of state and federal funds. NNEPRA is committed to minimize the need for public support by maximizing cost efficiencies and to seeking ways to grow revenues.

SPRC MEMBERS: