If you've ever driven I-95 into Maine on a Friday evening during the peak summer season, you may have longed for an alternative to fidgeting behind the wheel in backed up traffic. Good news--now you can take the train to Maine.
After a 30 year absence, passenger rail service has returned to Maine, thanks to a grassroots campaign and a joint partnership between the state and Amtrak, which operates the state-owned Downeaster. In an Amtrak press release, Maine Governor Angus King said, "The initiative to restore passenger rail service has been in progress for more than 10 years, beginning with a the largest citizens' petition drive in Maine's history. Ordinary citizens demonstrated an extraordinary belief in the value of rail service in building our economy, reducing automobile emissions in our air and providing a relaxing and picturesque travel experience to link great locations along the northern New England coast."
Downeaster makes its debut with a ceremonial inaugural run on December 14, 2001, and regular passenger service connecting Boston and Portland, Maine, begins December 15, 2001. Here are the basics you'll need to know if you'd like to leave the bumper-to-bumper routine behind and make tracks to Maine instead.
Downeaster Stops
Downeaster service will originate in Boston from the North Station/Fleet Center complex at 135 Causeway Street. Stops along the route to Portland, Maine, include: Haverhill, Massachusetts; Exeter, New Hampshire; Durham, New Hampshire; Dover, New Hampshire; Wells, Maine; Saco, Maine; and Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
Downeaster Schedule
The Downeaster train will make four round-trips daily. The complete one-way trip along the 114-mile rail corridor connecting Boston and Portland will take 2 hours and 44 minutes.
Downeaster Amenities
Advertised amenities for Downeaster passengers include: reclining seats with fold-down trays; electrical outlets; uninterrupted use of laptaps, cell phones and pagers; reading lights above each seat; conveniently located restrooms; overhead luggage racks; accommodations for skis--with advanced notice; and a Café Car featuring both upscale items and light snacks prepared by Epicurean Feast, a Massachusetts Food Service Company, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine and spirits.
Bicycles may be loaded on and off the Downeaster at the Portland, Wells and Boston stations beginning in the spring of 2002.
Downeaster Tickets
A one-way ticket from Boston to Portland or vice versa costs $21 (as of 12/15/01). For reservations or for more information on the Downeaster, call the Amtrak Information/Reservation Line toll-free at 800 USA-RAIL, contact your travel agent or make reservations online at Amtrak.com.
