Downeaster frequency increases, travel time decreases on Boston-Portland run
TravelNewEngland.com, August 2007
As of Friday, August 17, the Amtrak Downeaster will add one daily round-trip between Boston's North Station and Portland, Maine for a total of five daily runs.
The increased service, operated by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), is expected to create new opportunities for leisure travel with its 8:10 p.m. departure from Portland. Currently, the latest train departs Portland at 3 p.m. The revised schedule also includes an 11:20 p.m. northbound departure from Boston on weekdays, which is currently only served by bus.
"Theater-goers and Red Sox fans will be delighted to know that the late-night train will be back every day," said Patricia Quinn, NNEPRA executive director.
The addition of a 5 p.m. departure from Boston, according to the NNEPRA, has attracted a number of regular and peak-hour riders.
Overall, Downeaster ridership has grown by about 90,000 riders in the past two years.
A $6 million track construction program has also shaved about five minutes off the 2.5-hour run. The recent track work, performed by Pan Am Railways, included the replacement of about five miles of rail in Exeter, NH, the upgrade of a freight passing siding in Dover to accommodate passenger trains, the addition of a universal crossover in Wells to allow trains to pass in each direction and new siding in Scarborough/South Portland, Maine.
For a full Downeaster schedule, see www.amtrakdowneaster.com.