Amtrak Downeaster Discussion Thread

[sicariis]

In other station news: Last week Exeter, NH voted 1350-1177 to raise $115,000 to implement a paid parking system for the Train Station lot and Lincoln Street. This includes the designation of a 40 space overflow lot for the train station at the nearby Lincoln Street School.

election results (see article 13): https://www.exeternh.gov/sites/default/ ... esults.pdf

parking report: https://www.exeternh.gov/sites/default/ ... report.pdf

[MEC407]

Just received this email from NNEPRA:

The Amtrak Downeaster will operate on a modified schedule. The situation is evolving, but at this time the following service plan is in place until further notice:

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Train 688 and Train 689 will be suspended. All other trains will operate as scheduled.

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, Train 683 and Train 684 will also be suspended. All other trains will operate as scheduled.

Beginning Saturday, March 21, the Downeaster will operate the following on weekends: Trains 692, 693, 694 and 695.

Additional changes are anticipated, and passengers should visit Amtrak.com for the most recent information.

[gokeefe]

Not surprising. "Additional changes are anticipated ..."

[MEC407]

Another e-mail update from NNEPRA:

Some station buildings (including Brunswick, Freeport, Saco, and Wells) may be closed to the public but Downeaster trains WILL continue to stop at the platform. Please make your reservations ahead of time online at Amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

The Downeaster Team is actively engaged with Amtrak on its efforts. Enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented on trains and at Downeaster stations. For more information about measures being taken by Amtrak please visit: https://media.amtrak.com/2020/03/amtrak ... vironment/

The Amtrak Downeaster will continue to operate on a modified schedule. The situation is evolving, but currently the following service plan is in place:

Friday, March 20
Southbound trains 680, 682 and 686 WILL OPERATE.
Northbound trains 681, 685 and 687 WILL OPERATE.
All other Downeaster trains will be suspended.

Saturday, March 21 & Sunday March 22
Southbound trains 692 and 694 WILL OPERATE.
Northbound trains 693 and 695 WILL OPERATE.
All other Downeaster trains will be suspended.

Monday, March 23 through March 27
Southbound trains 680 and 682 WILL OPERATE.
Northbound trains 681 and 685 WILL OPERATE.
All other Downeaster trains will be suspended.

Additional changes are anticipated, and passengers should visit Amtrak.com for the most recent information.

[gokeefe]

Impressed they're still running. Good for them. Hopefully they have plenty of cleaners.

[swist]

And if they stop running, I would hope they give a few days notice. Otherwise people could be stuck in places they can't get out of. The bus is not running and car rental is ***really*** expensive.

[Trinnau]

This is on amtrakdowneaster.com today in the service alerts section.

3/30/20 - 8:00 am Update - COVID-19 Plan

NNEPRA, in partnership with Amtrak, is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak. The Downeaster will operate on a modified schedule. The situation is evolving, but at this time the following service plan is in place until further notice:

Weekday Service Plan
Southbound trains 680 and 682 WILL OPERATE.
Northbound trains 681 and 685 WILL OPERATE.
All other Downeaster trains will be suspended.

Weekend Service Plan
Southbound trains 692 and 694 WILL OPERATE.
Northbound trains 693 and 695 WILL OPERATE.
All other Downeaster trains will be suspended.

[gokeefe]

Miraculous there's still any service at all. Makes sense that it could work on a train.

I didn't realize Concord Coach was completely shut down.

[tobeornot2be]

I saw a trainset last weekend, and unless it was a deadhead, they're operating with a cafe and 2 coaches instead of the the typical 4.

[MEC407]

That seems wise. No reason to haul extra cars around when they're averaging just a handful of passengers per train.

[Rockingham Racer]

That seems wise. No reason to haul extra cars around when they're averaging just a handful of passengers per train.

As long as the two coaches allow for social distancing. Reductions of service in NY City, for example, have led to "crowding" in the sense that people have to get in close proximity to each other. A gigantic no-no these days.

[gokeefe]

I will be pleased if they break into the mid four figures over the next 30 day ridership period. Shouldn't be a problem to keep distance.

[swist]

I hope they keep running - it's the way to go for public transportation. Can keep distance - most stations are closed - can go directly from car or on foot to the outside platforms - easy to keep clear. (Well North Station might be an issue),

[MEC407]

NNEPRA sent this last night:

The Amtrak Downeaster is reducing service to one round-trip per day, Per Governor Mill’s Executive Order stating that no one shall use public transportation, including the Amtrak Downeaster, unless necessary for an essential reason. The service reduction will be in place beginning Monday, April 6, 2020 and will remain in effect until at least April 30, 2020. The situation is evolving, but currently the following service plan is in place:

• Weekdays (M-F)
• Southbound train 680 WILL OPERATE.
• Northbound train 685 WILL OPERATE.
• All other Downeaster trains will be suspended.

• Weekends (Sat-Sun)
• Southbound train 692 WILL OPERATE.
• Northbound train 693 WILL OPERATE.
• All other Downeaster trains will be suspended.

Some station buildings (including Brunswick, Freeport, Saco, and Wells) may be closed to the public but Downeaster trains WILL continue to stop at the platform. Please make your reservations ahead of time online at Amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

[gokeefe]

Even in the darkest of times they're still going to run at least once a day each way ... Count me as grateful for the continued commitment to keeping Maine connected to the rest of New England.