Maine

OAITW r.2.0

(28,656 posts) Sat Feb 1, 2020, 07:14 PM Feb 2020

Amtrak Downeaster set new ridership record in 2019

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.

5 replies

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Amtrak Downeaster set new ridership record in 2019 (Original Post) OAITW r.2.0 Feb 2020 OP

The DC trains to NYC and Boston are huge - only way to go. empedocles Feb 2020 #1

I used to take it from Exeter, NH to North Station all the time JDC Feb 2020 #2

My business's US headquarters is on Central Avenue in Dover, NH. OAITW r.2.0 Feb 2020 #3

Yeah, how about we get it up in Lewiston/Auburn already? Zing Zing Zingbah Feb 2020 #4

LA would make sense. OAITW r.2.0 Feb 2020 #5

empedocles

(15,751 posts)

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

Reply to OAITW r.2.0 (Original post)

Sat Feb 1, 2020, 07:19 PM

Feb 2020

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

(10,520 posts)

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

Reply to OAITW r.2.0 (Original post)

Sat Feb 1, 2020, 07:21 PM

Feb 2020

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

OAITW r.2.0

(28,656 posts)

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

Reply to JDC (Reply #2)

Sat Feb 1, 2020, 07:50 PM

Feb 2020

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

(6,496 posts)

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

Reply to OAITW r.2.0 (Original post)

Tue Feb 4, 2020, 10:23 AM

Feb 2020

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

(28,656 posts)

5. LA would make sense.

Reply to OAITW r.2.0 (Original post)

Tue Feb 4, 2020, 05:46 PM

Feb 2020

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

That's the ticket!

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