Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This is really a pretty trip, and the train operates during daylight
hours in both directions. On the left you'll see the eastern bank
of the Hudson River for almost two-and-a-half hours between
New York City and Albany. You'll see some magnificent old
homes, the Military Academy at West Point, and Vassar College
in Poughkeepsie. After leaving Albany, you'll pass through lovely
rural areas with small farms and lots of woodlands. Take this trip
in October and you will be dazzled by the fall colors.
Downeaster (680-699)
Stops:
Boston, Woburn, Exeter, Dover, Old
Orchard Beach, Portland
Frequency:
Five times a day in each direction
Distance:
102 miles
Duration:
2½ hours
Equipment:
Amfleet coaches, business class, cafe car
There's an interesting story behind this train. In fact, it's an
inspiring story. Back in the late '80s, people from a number of
communuities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine
got together with the singular goal of getting Amtrak to extend
rail service north of Boston to Portland, Maine. They organized
as TrainRiders/Northeast, met with Amtrak and with public offi-
cials, and launched a campaign to inform the general public. It
took more than 10 years and help from the federal, state, and
local governments, but in 2001 the first Downeaster rolled out
of Portland station headed for Boston. Since then, the popularity
of the Downeaster
has climbed steadily—it has even posted dou-
ble-digit increases in ridership for several years. In the summer
of 2010, with both federal and state funds, workers began lay-
ing new track that will permit the Downeaster to extend service
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