BRUNSWICK

The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority released numbers from its June board meeting, highlighting some pluses as well as updates on service and the layover facility.

NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn reported ridership for the month of May at 38,754, compared to 22,722 last year. Quinn noted the disparity, however, is partially due to a tie replacement project last year that caused fewer trains to run.

NNEPRA’s target had been 43,400.

“I really can’t give a solid reason for that. First of all, I think that our projection in May was probably more aggressive than is should have been because we never really achieved ridership to that level in the month of May before,” Quinn said.

Still, Quinn said it was a solid performance with close to 39,000 passengers. She said she would obviously like to see the numbers higher and that NNEPRA is focused on that goal.

“I think ridership is good, it’s strong, trains are performing well, our customer satisfaction is very high,” Quinn said — and she has the numbers to show.

NNEPRA took in $269,821 more in May 2016 compared to the same time last year.

The overall customer satisfaction index for the Downeaster was 91, while Amtrak itself only earned an 88.

On time performance was up to 81 percent as opposed to 0 percent in May 2015 — again, Quinn said those are numbers she would like to see in the 90s.

Not everything was under NNEPRA’s control, however.

“Earlier this week we lost a train because there was a cow on the tracks. Yesterday, a vehicle hit a bridge, so they had to stop. It’s not indicative of significant problems — trains aren’t hours late, they’re minutes late. Even the train that was late yesterday, it was 12 minutes,” Quinn said.

Quinn said they’ve had a great June so far and although she said the target they set is probably still too ambitious, they’ll probably be in the range of 42,000 when the books are closed on the month.

As of June 30, many trains had already been booked solid for the Fourth of July weekend, according to Quinn.

Quinn said the Brunswick layover facility is on schedule and should be completed by early September.

“We’re anxious to get the construction projects behind us, we’re anxious to get into the Brunswick facility,” Quinn said. Of course, there’s always something that needs work — one of which will delay a third train in Brunswick.

Another tie replacement project between Portland and Wells will postpone the extra run until November. Once active, Quinn said the third run will carry another 20 to 30 passengers a day — modest gains but ones Quinn said will add up over the year.

Other Downeaster news Quinn reported was making their pet acceptance policy permanent on runs between Brunswick and Boston.

Owners can make reservations and travel with one cat or small dog in an enclosed carrier. After a pilot program began last October, more than 100 animals rode the rails with their people, convincing the Downeaster to make a policy change.

Quinn said it’s also nearly a done deal to bring Amtrak’s Dome Car to the Downeaster service. The Dome Car is a double decker car with curved glass on the top, creating a lounge on the top deck.

Quinn said the car will provide a unique vantage point and will be a great opportunity both for people who have yet to ride the Downeaster as well as regulars to shake up their routine.

Dome Car coming

• IT’S ALSO NEARLY a done deal to bring Amtrak’s Dome Car to the Downeaster train service. The Dome Car is a double decker car with curved glass on the top, creating a lounge on the top deck.