Amtrak Downeaster to add two train stops in Maine

The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) has announced that on Thursday, Nov. 1, the Amtrak Downeaster will be adding two new additional stops to Freeport and Brunswick, Maine.


The Downeaster currently makes five daily round-trips between Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts to 10 destinations: Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Wells in Maine; Durham-UNH and Exeter; and Haverhill, Woburn and Boston, in Massachusetts.


UNH Campus Planning Director Stephen Pesci said he is organizing an inaugural party for the new services.


“I encourage the UNH-Durham community to be at the platform on the morning of Nov. 1 to welcome the Downeaster during its whistle stop in Durham,” Pesci said. “It’s a great chance for us to show our support for the state of Maine and this great service, now used by over 50,000 UNH-Durham riders a year.”

UNH and the Dairy Bar will provide refreshments and music at the event. Souvenirs and gifts will be given away upon the 10:41 a.m. train arrival, and attendants will have the opportunity to meet with members of the Rail Authority.


The extension provides members of the UNH-Durham community with access to more of Maine, and to connect with places such as Bowdoin College in Brunswick and L.L. Bean in Freeport.


The Downeaster has had record-breaking ridership numbers since 2005. The service generated over 528,000 riders in Fiscal Year 2012, and that record has already been broken for the Fiscal Year 2013.


Train passengers are currently able to make reservations for the new stops online, as well as to purchase multi ride passes, including the College 6TIX pass.  Visit AmtrakDowneaster.com for more information on ticket purchases and the inaugural event on Nov. 1.


“UNH and the Durham community are proud to be host to America’s favorite train,” Pesci said. “And we look forward to expanding service and destinations in the years to come.”