Tag: New England

Amtrak Downeaster, Boston, MA, BON, Amtrak Conductor The Downeaster is a 145-mile regional passenger train service, managed by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, and operated by Amtrak.

Amtrak Downeaster Resumes Limited Service June 15

June 13, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

PORTLAND, MAINE – The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) announced yesterday that the Amtrak Downeaster will begin Phase 1 of Service Restoration beginning June 15, 2020. Service will resume with one round trip on weekdays only between Brunswick, ME and Boston, MA: southbound Train 680 and northbound Train 685. Downeaster service has been suspended since April 13, 2020.

A number of protocols and procedures have been implemented to protect the health and safety of passengers and crews.

Highlights of Phase 1 Service Restoration Plan:

Amtrak has implemented new cleaning and disinfecting protocols nationwide, and train equipment used in Downeaster service will undergo enhanced cleaning before and after each trip.
Crews and passengers will be required to wear face covering while boarding and moving about the train
The number of passengers per train will be limited to no more than 50% of available seating capacity so riders are able to adhere to physical distancing guidelines.
Advance reservations are required and cash sales will not be accepted.
Station facilities will not be open; passengers should go directly to the outdoor platform to wait for their train.
Café service will not be available, however complimentary water will be available upon request.
Stations are being updated with signage and other enhancements to promote public health and physical distancing.

While NNEPRA expects Downeaster increase service throughout the summer months, no date has been set for subsequent phases. The NNEPRA Board of Directors plans to meet later this month to evaluate the potential for adding more daily trips.

Pan Am Railways has expedited a series of track improvement and maintenance projects along the Downeaster corridor to take place this spring to avoid construction-related service interruptions later in the year. The schedule for Train 680 has been modified slightly to adjust for construction-related delays. Passengers on travelling on Train 685 to stations north of Haverhill should expect delays of approximately 15 minutes.

Complete information about the steps Amtrak is taking to protect the health and safety of their passengers and crews is available at Amtrak.com

For additional Amtrak Downeaster information visit: AmtrakDowneaster.com

Amtrak Downeaster Achieves Record Ridership In 2019

February 3, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

PORTLAND, MAINE – The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) announced today that the Amtrak Downeaster achieved record breaking ridership of 574,404 passengers in calendar year 2019, a 7.8% increase from 2018. The previous ridership record of 546,056 passengers was set in 2017.

The Amtrak Downeaster experienced record ridership growth in 9 out of 12 months, according to NNEPRA Marketing Director, Natalie Bogart, who reported that August 2019 was the highest ridership month in Downeaster history. “August ridership of 60,944 was an all-time record and the first time that Downeaster ridership surpassed 60,000 passengers in a month.”

NNEPRA attributes the ridership surge to increased frequency to Freeport and Brunswick, improved reliability, as well as repeat riders. Amtrak Customer Satisfaction score of 91% suggests that people are not only riding the Downeaster, but are finding it to be enjoyable as well. When compared to Amtrak services throughout the country, passengers rank the Downeaster among the top services for friendliness, overall satisfaction, and quality of on-board food service.

“These results are particularly impressive,” stated NNEPRA Chairman, John Melrose. “We are committed to the continued growth of the Downeaster service and are working hard in 2020 to improve/ expand transportation alternatives to further enhance mobility to our citizens and support economic growth for Maine Businesses.”

For additional Amtrak Downeaster information or to purchase tickets visit: AmtrakDowneaster.com

Amtrak Downeaster, POR, 2016, 15th Anniversary of the Downeaster, Portland Intermodal Station, Chuck Gomez WASHINGTON, WAS

JetBlue Fare Sale To Steamboat Springs, Colorado

October 24, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

Get a jump on ski season with JetBlue’s new jet-in, jet-out service to Steamboat springs, Colorado. Flights start on 12/15/2018, so book your flights today!

JetBlue to Steamboat Springs, Colorado

JetBlue announced the new service back on April 25th of this year with the following press release:

Steamboat’s industry-leading air program continues to expand with the addition of three new nonstop markets on JetBlue beginning winter 2018. Skiers and riders in Boston, Ft. Lauderdale and Long Beach, California, will be able to access Steamboat’s Champagne Powder^® snow during the 2018-19 winter via nonstop flights, which guests can begin booking today for December travel.

“Recognizing the popularity of Steamboat as a destination for guests in New England and south Florida, the resort is thrilled to partner with JetBlue to provide nonstop access for skiers and riders in these markets as well as Long Beach for West Coast vacationers,” said Rob Perlman, president and COO of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “With these additional flights, Steamboat boasts the most robust winter air program of any mountain resort community in North America.”

JetBlue’s nonstop service from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Long Beach Airport (LGB) will operate twice a week, and the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) flight will operate once a week from Dec. 15 through March 30 on an A320 aircraft, capable of accommodating 150 passengers. In addition to serving skiers and snowboarders in these three markets, JetBlue offers convenient connections from additional destinations across the country. The new JetBlue service contributes to the 10 nonstop markets Steamboat has added in the past seven years.

JetBlue nonstop service to the Steamboat/Hayden airport (HDN) is currently scheduled as follows:

“We are thrilled to provide direct service from three of our JetBlue focus cities to Steamboat Springs — a world-class ski destination and home of Champagne Powder^®,” said John Checketts, vice president of network planning. “With JetBlue, a wonderful winter getaway is closer than ever no matter which corner of the country travelers call home.”

Image from www.visitsteamboat.com

Amtrak Downeaster Resumes Limited Service June 15

Amtrak Downeaster Achieves Record Ridership In 2019

JetBlue Fare Sale To Steamboat Springs, Colorado

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