(The Portsmouth Herald News posted the following article on its website on November 11.)
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — The Amtrak Downeaster passenger rail service between Portland, Maine, and Boston, which stops in Exeter, Dover and Durham, began operating on an expanded schedule at the beginning of November.
The new schedule mans more peak-hour arrivals and departures for business and leisure travelers alike.
— Morning trains will now arrive in North Station at 8:25 and 10:30 a.m. on weekdays.
— Afternoon trains will now arrive at 3:30 and 5:35 p.m., in time for most evening events in Boston.
— A new 8 p.m. weekday departure from Portland (temporarily operated by motorcoach) has also been added to the schedule and arrives at North Station at 10:05 p.m.
— A new 5 p.m. departure from Boston has been added on weekdays to supplement the 6:20 p.m. departure providing a peak-hour alternative for those headed north.
— The last evening departure from Boston now leaves at 11 p.m. nightly and is temporarily being operated by motorcoach Monday through Friday.
In addition, construction to increase track capacity is under way and plans to add a fifth daily round-trip by train are on target for next year.