Discussing Downeaster operations, 2016.

The inauguration of the Downeaster on December 15, 2001 was the result of two decades of work by passenger rail advocates; the service was the first to operate between Maine and Boston since 1965. The Downeaster is financed primarily through funds made available by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), which was created in 1995 by the Maine legislature to develop and provide passenger rail service between Maine and Boston and points within Maine.

Here Assistant Superintendent Downeaster Service Steve Corcoran (left) and Locomotive Engineer Chris Crangle discuss operations. The assistant superintendent oversees all aspects of the service to ensure efficient operations and a positive customer experience, while the engineer is responsible for operating the locomotive safely and efficiently. The engineer must know intimately the physical characteristics of the territory over which he or she operates, including the track configuration, allowed speeds, signal systems and station locations.

"Amtrak's partnership with NNEPRA is an example of how building teamwork into our culture can lead to success,” says Corcoran. "The Downeaster team is made up of folks that take ownership of the service, they go over and above for our customers..."

Photographer: Chuck Gomez for Amtrak. From the Amtrak Corporate Collection.