Expanding Frequency for Downeaster Traffic

[Blazeman]

Couple more trips north of Portland now.  I'm curious if tourists would take this from Boston to Freeport and Brunswick.  Freeport they'd go to Bean's to shop and Jameson's for chowder.  Brunswick I'm trying to figure out.  But residents should patronize the trains with the higher frequency.

https://www.progressiverailroading.com/amtrak/news/Amtrak-Downeaster-service-to-get-service-boost--56045?

[nickelplate759]

"Currently, the Downeaster provides five daily round-trips between Portland and Boston, Maine, with three trips that extend to Freeport and Brunswick, Maine. Starting Nov. 12, two additional round trips will serve Freeport and Brunswick on weekdays, with an additional trip on weekends."

Well, that should make for some interesting itineraries.

Fun historical fact - Maine was once part of the state Massachusetts, not the other way 'round.

[Point353]

Couple more trips north of Portland now.  I'm curious if tourists would take this from Boston to Freeport and Brunswick.  Freeport they'd go to Bean's to shop and Jameson's for chowder.  Brunswick I'm trying to figure out.  But residents should patronize the trains with the higher frequency.

Wonder how many potential riders would be willing to pay at least $50 for a round-trip to Freeport just to shop at the LL Bean mothership or have a bowl of chowdah?
Even with the extra trips, the northbound arrival time at Freeport is after noontime and the latest return departure is around 6PM - not ideal for a day trip on which you might want to have lunch upon arriving and/or dinner prior to leaving.

[John]

Wonder how many potential riders would be willing to pay at least $50 for a round-trip to Freeport just to shop at the LL Bean mothership or have a bowl of chowdah?
Even with the extra trips, the northbound arrival time at Freeport is after noontime and the latest return departure is around 6PM - not ideal for a day trip on which you might want to have lunch upon arriving and/or dinner prior to leaving.

Freeport is a good place to visit -- but the frequency of the trains isn't enough to just go have a cup of chowdah .. and if you do go there, don't go to Linda Beans -- there are better places -- head up to Augusta .. The Red Barn

[Blazeman]

Imagine lugging a canoe out of Bean's down the street to the station for the ride home. Too far to walk to Buck's Naked BBQ.