Amtrak Downeaster set new ridership record in 2019

[OAITW r.2.0]

https://www.pressherald.com/2020/01/31/amtrak-downeaster-set-new-ridership-record-in-2019/


Taking the Downeaster to Boston is the way to go. No tolls, no Parking, no Stress. And they have a clubcar to boot! The pic at the link is the Saco, ME Station which is the one I've used, mostly. Site was smartly located on Factory Island, where huge brick texile factories of yesteryear are being converted to apartments, condo's, and new small businesses. The complex sits directly on the Saco River where the freshwater meets the ocean water.

Now that I live in Central Maine, I really wish the Downeaster would expand to Waterville, Newport, and Bangor. Newport would be a key location as Rte. 2, the primary East-West highway runs through this town. And it would be an easy 20 min. drive from my home.

[empedocles]

1. The DC trains to NYC and Boston are huge - only way to go.

By car its 4 hours [if no traffic problem], to NYC and tolls almost $30, plus gas and parking. Better than the plane shuttles also.

[JDC]

2. I used to take it from Exeter, NH to North Station all the time

A pleasant ride and it has wifi and power for my PC.

[OAITW r.2.0]

3. My business's US headquarters is on Central Avenue in Dover, NH.

We are a 5 minute walk to the Downeater station there. We've had meetings in Boston and New York City. Amtrack was a huge positive, as we could prepare for the meetings without dealing with car traffic, finding parking, etc.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

4. Yeah, how about we get it up in Lewiston/Auburn already?

Lewiston is the second largest city, but we don't seem to get anything to come here. Everyone I know would like a Target. No, that goes to smaller cities. Tim Hortons was ripped out of here for no reason. It was quite popular.

[OAITW r.2.0]

5. LA would make sense.

So, Brunswick -> LA -> Waterville ->Newport -> Bangor.

That's the ticket!