AP: The Downeaster, Amtrak’s Portland to Boston train, is in its 6th year.
After the first year, ridership dipped before growing along with improvements, including reduced travel time, schedule adjustments and an additional daily round trip.
Through November of this year, 347,586 people had ridden the Downeaster, compared with 291,794 in 2002, the first full year of operation.
“When we started off, it was an attraction,” Quinn said. “Now people are riding the train to get from point A to B because it’s pleasant, it’s economical and it’s efficient.”
Deputy Transportation Commissioner Greg Nadeau said the Downeaster provides a vital economic link between Portland and Boston, and an important transportation alternative at a time of rising energy prices, highway congestion and pollution.
