by Dick H
Some comments on the Downeaster's schedule.
The fifth round trip schedule only took effect last August 17th, so it remains to be seen how many tourist trips will be made to Boston and to Old Orchard Beach and Portland for a full summer season. Of course, the recession, that is either here or sure looks like it is coming, probably will put downward pressure on tourist dollars. On the other hand, the $4.00 per gallon of gasoline may put more folks on the train. However, they did raise fares by $1.00 per trip at least once last year, mostly to cover increases costs for diesel fuel.
NNEPRA has to jump through a number of hoops to change the schedule. With Maine being the operator of the train, I am sure they try to tweak the schedule to serve travelers to and from Maine. But, beyond that, they have to get a "slot" at North Station from the MBTA and work in between MBTA schedules on the Haverhill and Lowell Lines. The fragile Merrimack River bridge at Haverhill is also a current concern, as it is restricted to 10MPH and one train at a time, even though it is double track.
Once NNEPRA gets approval from the MBTA, they still have to get permission from Guilford. I have no idea of what time restrictions that Guilford might impose, but they do have to sign off.
I have appreciated all the posts on this subject line, even though I don't agree with a number of them. It shows that the Downeaster is a subject of interest to many members of Railroad.Net.
Dick
The fifth round trip schedule only took effect last August 17th, so it remains to be seen how many tourist trips will be made to Boston and to Old Orchard Beach and Portland for a full summer season. Of course, the recession, that is either here or sure looks like it is coming, probably will put downward pressure on tourist dollars. On the other hand, the $4.00 per gallon of gasoline may put more folks on the train. However, they did raise fares by $1.00 per trip at least once last year, mostly to cover increases costs for diesel fuel.
NNEPRA has to jump through a number of hoops to change the schedule. With Maine being the operator of the train, I am sure they try to tweak the schedule to serve travelers to and from Maine. But, beyond that, they have to get a "slot" at North Station from the MBTA and work in between MBTA schedules on the Haverhill and Lowell Lines. The fragile Merrimack River bridge at Haverhill is also a current concern, as it is restricted to 10MPH and one train at a time, even though it is double track.
Once NNEPRA gets approval from the MBTA, they still have to get permission from Guilford. I have no idea of what time restrictions that Guilford might impose, but they do have to sign off.
I have appreciated all the posts on this subject line, even though I don't agree with a number of them. It shows that the Downeaster is a subject of interest to many members of Railroad.Net.
Dick