(The Associated Press circulated the following story on September18.)
PORTLAND, Maine — Officials with the Downeaster say the Portland-to-Boston passenger train posted strong ridership numbers throughout the summer.
The surge partly made up for a dismal winter and early spring.
John Englert of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority says ridership this year is down 5 percent, and revenues are down 10 percent, from the Downeaster’s inaugural year.
The winter numbers that showed ridership down by 25 to 30 percent.
Meanwhile, Concord Trailways officials say the bus company, which shares a terminal with the Downeaster, has benefited from the attention given the train service.
A Concord Trailways official says ridership between Portland and Boston is up 3 to 5 percent so far this year.