I do not know if the Downeaster will really cease service in a year of two or if they are getting media attention in order to get new sources of revenue. I live in Massachusetts and do not think the train benefits people in Massachusetts.
It may benefit a few tourists from around the US and the world who can afford to go up to Portland and stay overnight. That is on the pricey side for me. For day trips, the northbound service does not get you there until 12:45 PM. By the time you are on your way it is 1:00 PM. The return schedule brings you to Haverhill Ma at 10:00 PM. (not exactly a safe time of night to return to Haverhill)
Also although ridership to Maine (as opposed to from Maine) is not peak they have never offered any enticing $$$ specials to get us folks up there. I am over 60 and under 65.
Still will probably go to Maine a few times a year.
About westbound service, it would be great to have a train to Lenox, Ma, but the one train a day, the Lakeshore Ltd. leaves in mid-day. As not very many people even take the bus, I do not ever ever think we will get train service in that direction.
Posted by tarheelman (Member # 6095) on :
Based on your comments and those of others, this train has two faults that need to be corrected if it's to become a convenient transportation alternative for people traveling between Boston and Portland. Specifically, they are:
1. It has too many stops, and a lot of them are at lightly used stations.
2. It doesn't terminate at South station in Boston, which has more traffic and, consequently, more connections than the train's current southern terminus.
It's too bad that political lobbying has kept this train from being a legitimate competitor to bus and private motor vehicle travel between Boston and Portland. Posted by John Hull (Member # 4465) on :
I'm no expert on this service, but it must be convenient for some people as the official figures show a 22% increase in passengers in 2006,to a total of 338,000 passengers. There has been a further 7% increase in 2007 and a fifth train has been added to the service. I've read somewhere that funds have been agreed to keep the service going, I think it was from Maine. Happy New Year to you all, John
![[Frown]](frown.gif)