PORTLAND, Maine — Amtrak’s Downeaster has exceeded ridership expectations for the third month in a row, and the operator of the service is seeking to revise schedules and add more capacity for the service, the Boston Globe reports.
In February, 25,824 passengers rode the train during what was supposed to be a sluggish month for rail travel, said Michael Murray, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.
It’s becoming clear that the Portland-to-Boston service launched on Dec. 15 will meet or exceed its goal of 325,000 passengers during the first year, Murray said yesterday.
The ridership numbers will help Murray as he prepares to meet with Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority officials to negotiate schedule changes. He’s also asking Amtrak formore seating capacity.