Rooted in the dreams of those who wanted to bring passenger rail travel back to Maine, the Amtrak Downeaster service became a reality over 20 years ago. It is a car-free option for those looking to travel between Maine and Boston while decreasing their carbon footprint. It is an integral part in tourism—one of the largest economic drivers for the state of Maine—transporting people into our state to enjoy the best of what Maine has to offer.  

In the midst of all of these economic factors, connecting people from point A to point B, it is the overall experience on the train that I cherish most. From record-breaking ridership to navigating the Covid-19 pandemic, one thing has always remained true – there is nothing quite like the experience of taking the Downeaster. Personally, when I am driving in a car to Boston, I worry about so much that I can’t focus on the scenery or people around me— on the train, I am able to experience all of it at once. I love watching the wonder on my kids’ faces with their noses pressed up against the large windows as images of the Maine coast pass by us or how their faces light up with a trip to Downeaster Cafe for a whoopie pie. Or the happiness on my friends faces after a girls’ weekend in Boston when they get to enjoy one last drink on the ride home. Or when I am headed on the train for work and can pop on my laptop and finish up items along the way. It is those care-free moments that I am able to focus and fill in this time in a way that works for me.