The Amtrak Downeaster service, with multiple daily frequencies, between Boston, MA and Portland and Brunswick, ME, is introducing a rail pass to make it easier and more economical to discover Maine by train.
The Discover Maine Rail Pass, launched this week, is valid for 10 one-way trips on the Amtrak Downeaster between any Maine station within a 7-day period for an introductory price of $19 per person. The pass is designed to encourage car-free travel within the state and highlight the popular Maine destinations served by the Downeaster.
“The Downeaster stops in so many great and walkable destinations like, Freeport, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Brunswick. And there’s a trolley from the Wells station to southern Maine beaches. This pass gives locals, as well as visitors spending multiple nights in the area, the flexibility to travel without the hassle and expense of driving and parking,” said Marketing Director, Natalie Bogart. Although the Pass is being promoted to tourists at hotels, B&B’s and campgrounds along the Downeaster corridor, it is available through all of Amtrak’s distribution channels including online, mobile app, station ticketing kiosks and call center.
According to Lynn Tillotson, President & CEO of Visit Portland, “We’re so excited about this pass and hope it will encourage visitors and locals from nearby communities to come to Portland without having to drive. With so many attractions now located near the station on Thompson’s Point, and a quick METRO bus connection available to Hadlock Field, the Museum of Art, downtown Portland and the Eastern Promenade, it’s so easy to visit Portland – car free!”
Old Orchard Beach Chamber director Kimberly Verreault hopes that the new Rail Pass will not only bring more day-trippers to Old Orchard by train, but “will make staying in Old Orchard for multiple days more appealing by making it so convenient to visit other attractions and communities without having to drive or find parking.”
The Discover Maine Pass is being introduced as the Amtrak Downeaster is experiencing great success, breaking ridership records in 8 of the past 12 months and revenue records in 10 of the past 12 months. The Downeaster serves 12 communities from Brunswick, ME to Boston, MA, with most passengers travelling to or from Boston. Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), who manages the Amtrak Downeaster passenger rail service, hopes that increasing traffic congestion and parking challenges in southern Maine, combined with rising gas prices will make this Pass a timely alternative for both tourists and residents, and further optimize Downeaster efficiency by turning over available seating capacity.
Visit AmtrakDowneaster.com for complete details on the Discover Maine Pass.
