PORTLAND, Maine — Rail enthusiasts lined up early Saturday morning to board the Amtrak Downeaster on its first regularly scheduled run from Portland to Boston, reports a wire service.
The sold-out departure marked the first time passenger trains have traveled that route since 1965.
It took 13 years of planning and delays and more than $50 million in public funds spent on track upgrades and equipment to implement the new route.
Martyn Payson said his friends were envious that he was able to snare a ticket.
“They’re jealous. We’re pioneers,” said Payson of Falmouth as he stood shoulder to shoulder with bleary-eyed travelers waiting to board the 6:10 a.m. train.
Lionel and Marilyn Caron of Lisbon woke up at 2:30 a.m. to drive to Portland.
“It shows you how nuts we are,” said Lionel Caron.
It was dark and raining when passengers boarded.
“There’s something romantic about a train,” said Ruth Finch.
“At 6 o’clock in the morning?” quipped Payson, her friend.
The new service started a day after a panel began work on a new blueprint for America’s passenger rail system that would take much or all of Amtrak’s authority and divide it among states or private companies.
Michael Dukakis, Amtrak’s acting chairman, said Friday that Congress needs to fund Amtrak as part of a national transportation policy. The former governor of Massachusetts traveled the new route Friday on an inaugural run for dignitaries.
With an engine, three passenger cars and a cafe car, the Downeaster can carry 230 passengers.
For now, the Downeaster is restricted to 60 mph and the 114-mile trip will take 2 hours and 45 minutes. Operators hope to boost the speed to 79 mph, which would cut the trip to 2 hours and 20 minutes.