The Aug. 10 Bob Morrison column titled, “Downeaster’s run to Brunswick a poor investment” uses distorted data and inaccurate assumptions to challenge not only the construction of a train layover facility in Brunswick, but the merit of Downeaster service and the credibility of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority which manages it.

The author lives in the neighborhood adjacent to the railroad in Brunswick, and is chairman of the group opposing the construction of a train layover facility planned to be built in the former rail yard site located across the tracks. As the executive director of NNEPRA, I believe it is important that information regarding the layover project, the Downeaster service and NNEPRA is presented accurately and in proper context.

Contrary to Mr. Morrison’s accusations, the basic rules of business are at the forefront of every decision made by NNEPRA, including the decision to construct a $12.7 million facility (not a $16 million facility as reported in the column) on a site zoned mixed use, industrial railroad corridor, in Brunswick.

The Brunswick layover will reduce operating costs by more than $600,000 every year, provide more train service to the public and eliminate outdoor train idling in Brunswick.

The Downeaster service is one of the most highly regarded in the Amtrak system, based on ridership and revenue growth and customer satisfaction. Currently 10 Downeaster trains run daily between Portland and Boston, with only four of those trips extending to Freeport and Brunswick. Despite the constraint of limited service, ridership to Freeport and Brunswick is strong, exceeding projections by nearly 50 percent.

The relevant fact is that riders from all station communities combined support a passenger rail system which transports an average of 1,420 passengers the equivalent of 117,000 miles each day.

The Amtrak Downeaster provides mobility to our residents, stimulates our tourism industry and encourages economic development in each and every one of our communities. In fact, the Brunswick Downtown Association recently wrote a letter lauding the contributions the Downeaster has made to the business community.

While Mr. Morrison asserts that NNEPRA has “total disregard for efficient management of taxpayer dollars,” the financial performance of the Downeaster demonstrates something quite different. NNEPRA has consistently met and exceeded budget goals by seeking innovative ways to increase revenue, reduce expenditures and improve efficiencies.

As mentioned by Mr. Morrison, the NNEPRA board did congratulate staff for operating the Caféwith a net cost of only $160,000 last year because, in addition to other benefits, the Café made it possible to collect more than $300,000 in incremental Business Class revenues, an 88 percent return on investment.

Now, that’s the way to run a railroad.

Patricia Quinn, executive director

Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, Portland