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Passenger Rail Returns to Maine

© Lynne A. Williams

On Friday, December 14, 2001, passenger rail returned to Maine, after a thirty year absence. The inauguration of the "Downeaster" rail line, which is owned by the Northern New England Passenger Authority and run by Amtrak, appears to be off to a great start, with its four daily runs full over the December 15-16 weekend.

The train makes the trip from Boston to Portland in 2 hours and 45 minutes, at speeds up to 79 miles per hour, leaving from Boston's North Station and arriving in Portland at the Concord Trailways bus terminal, where a temporary rail terminal has been constructed. On its trip, the train currently stops at Haverhill, Massachusetts, Exeter and Dover, New Hampshire and Wells, and Portland, Maine. There are stops at Durham, New Hampshire (U.N.H.) on Friday through Sunday. The Saco, Maine station is being constructed and Old Orchard Beach, Maine,is a seasonal stop, beginning in April 2002.

The train arrives at Boston's North Station and while this provides easy access to public transit for those visitors for whom Boston is their destination, it is somewhat problematical for those who intend to continue further on Amtrak. Amtrak departs Boston from South Station, so travelers currently must take the subway from North Station in order to continue their trip on Amtrak. The easiest way to do this is to take the Orange Line from North Station to Back Bay Station, the second Amtrak stop on the way out of town. Fortunately, a direct shuttle, linking the Downeaster with the outgoing Amtrak lines, is being planned.

The Downeaster is a very comfortable train, offering electrical outlets at every seat, including the usual roomy seats and fold down tray. Coastal Club, like Business Class on other Amtrak lines, includes even roomier seats and complimentary newspapers and delivery of soft drinks. The highlight of my recent trip, however, was the dining car. This cafe style car featured the best food I have had in my many years of traveling on Amtrak. There is chowder from Boston's Legal Seafoods, freshly made baked goods, grilled shrimp, fruit and cheese (good cheese, not those little orange packages that come from vending machines), and an excellent selection of wine, beer, juices and hard liquor.

Portland, Maine

The arrival of passenger rail in Maine is certainly an exciting event, particularly for the city of Portland. Even now, in the midst of winter, there are so many things to do and places to see in Portland. Portland is Maine's largest city, and has the the largest number of restaurants per capita, second only to San Francisco. The Old Port is filled with shops, restaurants and saloons, and alleys, nooks and crannies providing a fun and interesting area to stroll through. Visitors can take the Portland Metrobus #5 to downtown Portland.