© 2024 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Scroll down to see all available streams.

Amtrak's Downeaster at 15: More Riders, More Communities

PORTLAND, Maine - Amtrak's Downeaster has been a runaway success, transporting more than 6 million passengers. But success was no guarantee when the first train departed on the cold, rainy morning.

Even rail advocate Wayne Davis, who successfully lobbied for the service, said the Portland-to-Boston passenger route wasn't a sure thing, even after multiple studies and more than $50 million in taxpayer spending on track upgrades. That was 15 years ago Thursday.

Over the years, the speed of the Downeaster has increased, service has expanded to Freeport and Brunswick, and ridership is close to 500,000 each year.

Just last month, the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority opened a layover building in Brunswick to allow trains to stay overnight to improve efficiency. Executive Director Patricia Quinn anticipates ridership will grow in coming years.