The Downeaster resumed service from Portland to Boston on March 1, with #688/689.
The recent heavy weather in New Hampshire brought all train traffic through that state to a standstill. Passenger service began to collapse late Thursday evening at the height of the storm.
The lack of power at signals & crossings had been the major culprit though there were downed trees on the tracks.
See additional info in the comments on how to check for any further service disruptions.
Use this site, though we will go to sleep at some point tonight.
Call Amtrak Portland at 207 347-4253, though they keep office hours.
Call 'Julie' at Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL. She is currently referring to a "service disruption." That should change as the Downeaster resumes service tonight (#688/689) and tomorrow.
Not a happy scene in Exeter this morning. 45+/- commuters showed up, the cell phone network soon passed the word--no train. 18 stayed on to take the bus. The rest made car arrangements or went home.
Please consider posting something on this site as soon as full service is restored. Monthly pass riders need reliable information to plan their work travel & schedules. Many thanks
In Exeter, we have posted signs and have been at the station to advise customers--very few. Most seem to know of the situation and are understanding although frustrated.
Just a note to let you know how important the train has been; on Saturday Train # 692 8:05 out of Portland, Amtrak had to bring in 6 large buses just to transport the already ticketed passengers. The comment , of course, is that this is nothing like riding the train. Most people were looking forward to a fun filled train where folks could socialize with their friends and eat and drink in the cafe. Most of those folks came back from Boston on #695 on 5 large buses. Not very enjoyable.
Comments
Don
Use this site, though we will go to sleep at some point tonight.
Call Amtrak Portland at 207 347-4253, though they keep office hours.
Call 'Julie' at Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL. She is currently referring to a "service disruption." That should change as the Downeaster resumes service tonight (#688/689) and tomorrow.
Hope it works out soon
Will stay abreast.
Don
on Saturday Train # 692 8:05 out of Portland, Amtrak had to bring in 6 large buses just to transport the already ticketed passengers. The comment , of course, is that this is nothing like riding the train. Most people were looking forward to a fun filled train where folks could socialize with their friends and eat and drink in
the cafe.
Most of those folks came back from Boston on #695 on 5 large buses. Not very enjoyable.
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