PORTLAND, MAINE – The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) plans to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of the Amtrak Downeaster throughout 2026, marking 25 years of connecting Maine and Massachusetts by rail. Since its first trip in December 2001, the Downeaster has welcomed more than 10.5 million passengers and has become an essential transportation option throughout northern New England.
The year-long celebration begins with a $26 round-trip Fare Sale available on most Downeaster trains throughout January 2026. “If you already love the Downeaster, or if you haven’t ridden yet, these $26 round-trip fares make January the perfect time to experience the comfort and convenience of train travel,” said Natalie Bogart, NNEPRA Deputy Director. “Now’s your chance to celebrate 25 years of service and start a new travel tradition.”
January 2026 Fare Sale Details:
$26 round-trip ($13 one-way) value fares are available for travel between Brunswick, Maine, and Boston, Massachusetts, and all stations in between
Travel must occur January 1–31, 2026
Tickets must be purchased at least three days in advance of travel at AmtrakDowneaster.com, Amtrak.com as well as on the Amtrak Mobile App, or at an Amtrak Ticketing Kiosk. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 1-800-USA-Rail or from the ticket agent at Portland Station.
Use promotion code V530 when booking
The sale is available on all Downeaster weekday trains except Train 680 and Train 686 and on all weekend trains except Train 692 and Train 696.
The Amtrak Downeaster makes five daily round-trips between Brunswick, ME, and Boston North Station. For 25 years, the Amtrak Downeaster has offered a safe and stress-free alternative to driving—complete with roomy seating, free Wi-Fi, onboard cafe and beautiful views. The service is popular among riders commuting to work or college, visiting family, or attending special events.
On November 18, 2025, leaders of Greater Portland’s regional transit system convened for a trip to Brunswick, ME. They took Greater Portland Metro BREEZ bus from the Portland Transportation Center to the Amtrak Downeaster’s Brunswick Layover Facility, an overnight maintenance facility for trains. There, NNEPRA’s Special Projects Manager and local Amtrak leadership gave a tour of the facility and explained the types of operations that occur there, as well as the training and certification requirements necessary for Amtrak crews to operate on the railroad.
The group then boarded a train for Brunswick Station, where they visited the Brunswick Maine Visitor Center. They boarded the train once more to head back to Portland on Train 684. During the trip, the group spoke with the Amtrak crew and café staff, learning about some of the offerings and successes that make the Downeaster corridor unique.
This article was originally posted on media.amtrak.com on November 6th, 2025
New maintenance facility and other yard upgrades will support state-of-the-art Airo trains set to enter service on the Northeast Regional & Amtrak Downeaster in the coming years
BOSTON – Today, Amtrak was joined by leaders from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), and Rail Passenger Association to celebrate the start of major construction on a new train maintenance facility in Boston.
“We are now one step closer to introducing new, state-of-the-art Airo trainsets on the Northeast Regional and Amtrak Downeaster routes,” said Amtrak Vice President of Project Delivery, Fleet & Facilities, Michelle Tortolani. “This new facility will help speed up train maintenance and reduce turnaround times, providing Amtrak customers with more reliable service as ridership continues to break records. We’re grateful for our valued partners at the Federal Railroad Administration, who have helped support and fund this project from concept to construction.”
“The improvements that Amtrak is making to the Southampton Yard facility are an exciting step to enhance intercity passenger rail service along the Northeast Corridor,” said MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “As Amtrak continues to improve service to the Commonwealth by introducing the new Airo fleet, this investment ensures that Massachusetts continues to play a central role in maintaining and advancing world-class rail operations. Through our Rail and Transit Division, MassDOT is proud to collaborate with Amtrak in strengthening infrastructure that delivers safer, faster and more reliable service for passengers throughout the region.”
“Southampton Yard is a critical regional facility where trains that provide Amtrak Downeaster service between Brunswick, Maine and Boston have been maintained for nearly a quarter century,” said NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn. “We’re here to celebrate not only rail yard modernizations, but the introduction of a new generation of trainsets which will revolutionize passenger rail travel across the nation, including on Downeaster service beginning in 2030.”
“The MBTA is supportive of Amtrak’s investment in the Southampton Yard,” said MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan. “The upgrades will support the next generation of equipment and create a smoother, more efficient operation for everyone who travels through this busy corridor. This work will lead to better reliability, faster turnarounds, and a better experience for all riders traveling through South Station—one of the busiest transportation hubs in the Northeast.”
“America’s passengers waited for decades for days like today, with long-overdue investment in the future of our rail network from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act making a visible difference for the fare-paying public,” said Rail Passengers Association President & CEO Jim Mathews. “This project and the new Airo trains are an example of what’s possible when we commit to building – and keeping – a healthy industrial base to support our mobility and prosperity. It’s proof our country has what it takes to build and deliver the next rail revolution.”
As it opens in phases through 2029, the maintenance facility will be used for daily inspections, service and cleaning, and more. This investment will improve the customer and employee experience by significantly speeding up train maintenance and reducing turnaround times, thanks to more modern maintenance practices.
The new 860-feet-long maintenance facility will encompass more than 60,000 square feet within the existing rail yard footprint, featuring a new two-bay Maintenance & Inspection (M&I) facility with inspection pits, drop tables, sanding systems, and fueling pads at each end, as well as a renovated two-track Service & Inspection (S&I) facility.
Additional upgrades include a new direct fixation track within the M&I and S&C areas; removal of existing and installation of new catenary (electric power) structures; new storage tracks for both MBTA commuter trains and Amtrak equipment; new retaining walls; utility relocations; yardmaster’s operations area, and more. No major customer impacts are expected due to this project.
These upgrades will benefit Amtrak customers across the East Coast – including the Northeast Regional between Boston and Washington, and the Amtrak Downeaster between Boston and Brunswick, Maine. This facility will also be used for Acela and Long Distance trains that operate out of this yard, connecting with cities such as Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Richmond.
Amtrak’s extensive fleet modernization plans include more than 20 rail yard and facility upgrades across over a dozen routes set to receive new Airo trainsets. Planned and delivered in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration, these improvements will enhance maintenance capabilities and improve the overall customer and employee experience. The new facility at Southampton Yard is the fourth in this program to begin construction, following Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington (where Amtrak broke ground yesterday).
Several layover sites outside the NEC will also be built or renovated by Amtrak and its partners as part of this program. These are located along existing routes where trains are cleaned, serviced or stored, such Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, and Roanoke, Virginia.
Amtrak is transforming train travel with brand new trains slated to replace a majority of the existing fleet, and these rail yard upgrades will advance the company’s new era of passenger rail. New, premium high-speed NextGen Acela trainsets began service in August, Airo trainset manufacturing has ramped up, and work continues to advance replacement of the current Long Distance fleet.
Additional Reactions:
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05)
“American rail should be the fastest and most reliable in the world. I’m thrilled that we’re breaking ground on a project that will help deliver the frequent, on-time travel Bay Staters deserve. Alongside the entire House Democratic Caucus, I’m fighting for the resources Amtrak needs to build on this investment and keep moving forward.”
U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch (MA-08)
“I am pleased that federal funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been awarded to Amtrak to modernize their Boston facilities to support their new Airo and NextGen Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor. These new trains will be better for our environment, improve service reliability, and operate with greater fuel efficiency in the hands of our skilled Machinists and Rail employees at the Southampton Yard. I am grateful to Amtrak President Roger Harris for his commitment to improving our transportation system and making the travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.”
Pedestrian Bridge, Elevator Towers, and Precast Platform Installed
WELLS, MAINE — The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) has announced that Great Falls Construction has installed the new passenger platforms at the Wells Regional Transportation Center, as well as the structural steel to support elevator towers and an elevated pedestrian bridge connecting the new platforms. These critical steps in the Wells Area Improvement Project (Project), sponsored by NNEPRA, mark visible progress toward improved and increased Amtrak Downeaster service throughout the region. The Project, designed by VHB, is being constructed by Great Falls Construction of Gorham, ME, with oversight provided by WSP.
“We’re thrilled to reach another major milestone in the Wells Area Improvement Project,” said Patrick Harrington, Project Manager at Great Falls Construction. “Placing critical structures using one of the largest mobile cranes in the state required detailed coordination and teamwork. Our project team, alongside our valued partners, executed this effort with precision and a shared commitment to safety. We’re proud of the steady progress and the strong collaboration that continues to drive this project forward.”
The Project, funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), and CSX Transportation, began in 2021 and includes a 6-mile extension of rail infrastructure, completed by CSX in December 2024, as well as expanded station facilities designed to increase operational efficiency. Once complete, the Project, in conjunction with signal upgrades, will enable Amtrak to operate an additional Downeaster round-trip between Brunswick and Wells, scheduled to provide southern Maine commuters with car-free workday access into the GreaterPortland region.
Quincy Henzel, Director of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, noted the impact on economic growth, commenting that, “This project fuels regional growth by paving the way for expanded service that will benefit businesses, commuters, visitors and our communities across Greater Portland.”
The Town of Wells staffs and manages the Wells Transportation Center per a lease agreement with the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA). “The Town greatly appreciates the collaborative working relationship we have had with NNEPRA and MTA in the development and construction of this Project, which provides a fabulous opportunity to better connect Wells and surrounding communities to jobs, attractions, and schools between Boston and Brunswick,” commented Michael Pardue, Wells Town Manager.
“Seeing the vision come to life on site serves as an incredible reminder of the transformative impact this Project will have on passengers and communities along the Downeaster corridor.” said Patricia Quinn, NNEPRA Executive Director, noting that the new station platforms and facility are expected to be completed in 2026.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), in partnership with Amtrak Downeaster, is proud to participate in “See Tracks? Think Train!” Week, taking place September 15–21, 2025, in support of Operation Lifesaver’s national rail safety campaign. This initiative aims to raise public awareness and reduce preventable injuries and deaths around railroad tracks and trains.
Throughout the week, NNEPRA will share important rail safety tips across social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, and will engage communities through in-person safety events on Friday, September 19, at stations in Brunswick, Portland, and Durham.
Every year, hundreds of lives are lost or impacted by grade crossing incidents and track trespassing—many of which are entirely preventable. “See Tracks? Think Train!” serves as a powerful reminder that trains can come at any time, from either direction, and are often quieter and faster than they appear.
“Rail safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of NNEPRA. “During ‘See Tracks? Think Train!’ Week, we’re urging drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to make safe choices around railroad tracks and crossings. Whether you’re in a vehicle or on foot, staying alert can save your life.”
Get Involved
Follow Amtrak Downeaster on social media and share daily rail safety tips.
Wear red on Friday, September 19, to show your support for rail safety awareness. Snap a photo, post it to social media, and use the hashtag #SeeTracksThinkTrainWeek.
NNEPRA invites media partners and outlets to join in amplifying the message of rail safety. PSAs and promotional materials are available upon request or by visiting oli.org.
On Wednesday, August 27th, NNEPRA joined the Station Committee in historic Exeter, NH.
The Station Committee meets with NNEPRA staff quarterly to review ridership trends, milestones, and discuss shared resources and opportunities to better their station facilities. These can include repair work, marketing materials to display, and any service impacts they may expect. NNEPRA closes the meeting with a Roundtable discussion to deepen these conversations and get leaders thinking and brainstorming solutions, together.
On this day, NNEPRA staff and committee members took the Amtrak Downeaster from their respective stations to Exeter, NH. As the train made its way South, the group grew in size, enjoyed food and beverages from the Downeaster Cafe car, and caught up on projects in progress.
The meeting was held at Vino e Veo, a local favorite. Enjoying the outdoor patio on the Squamscott Riverfront, complete with sunshine and stats the team can be very proud of. FY26 is shaping up to be a strong start for the Amtrak Downeaster.
The day concluded with an educational walking tour of historic downtown Exeter, NH. NNEPRA staff raved about the charm, diversity in shops, and preservation of historic buildings and landmarks. A stop along the Downeaster route you will not want to skip over.
On August 22nd, on Portland’s very own Hadlock field, NNEPRA staff, along with regional Amtrak management and crew members, teamed up to give back to the kids and hosted this year’s PLAY BALL event, with the help of the Red Sox Foundation.
The Red Sox Foundation is the official charity of the Boston Red Sox. Harnessing the power of New England’s favorite baseball team to make a difference in the lives of youth, Veterans, families, and underprivileged communities.
What is PLAY BALL? A FREE introductory baseball/softball clinic for youth ages 5-12 with any skill range. Youth in attendance participate in fun and engaging baseball activities through station-based drills. The best part is, no personal equipment is necessary. Keeping this event accessible for all attendees.
The event was supported by Portland’s own baseball pros – The Portland Sea Dogs. Each station-based drill featured a unique set of skills kids can bring into their own game as they dream and work to become the next big name in MLB history.
NNEPRA and our regional Amtrak crew members were extremely grateful for the opportunity to jump on the field and give back to our local community. Anticipating many kids may now have a new response to the age-old question – What do you want to be when you grow up?
Your feedback helps us keep the Amtrak Downeaster moving forward, improving service, enhancing experiences, and planning for the future. Take our short survey today, and you’ll be entered to win a pair of roundtrip tickets for your next adventure.
NNEPRA attended National Night Out, hosted by the Saco Police Department, on Tuesday, August 5th at Thornton Academy. The annual event, organized in partnership with the City of Saco and supported by local businesses and organizations, brings the community together to connect in a fun and welcoming environment.
National Night Out is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships among city officials, first responders, and residents. Events like this foster trust, encourage open communication, and promote the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors to Saco.
NNEPRA was proud to sponsor and participate alongside local businesses, clubs, and community groups, all working together to make this year’s event a success. We value opportunities to engage directly with our communities and share in the spirit of connection that makes them thrive.
NNEPRA attended the 2025 Maine Office of Tourism Governor’s Conference on Tourism held at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine on April 16–17. We were thrilled to see our Thompson Point neighbor, The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, awarded the 2025 Stewardship Award.
Conference speakers shared insights, trends, and tools for building strong marketing programs while highlighting the economic impact of travel and tourism in Maine. Governor Janet Mills gave an inspired speech to support continued tourism from across New England, Canada, and beyond.
The Maine Office of Tourism shared the effectiveness of their 2024 efforts and previewed the 2025 marketing campaigns.
The Amtrak Downeaster connects riders to some of the Top Visitor Activities as defined in the 2024 Maine Office of Tourism Highlights, including:
Food, beverage, and culinary
Shopping
Sightseeing and touring
Active outdoor activities
The NNEPRA team engaged potential partners from Maine-made products and services to the outdoor recreation economy, as well as transportation and publication industries. We distributed brand swag to rail fans from all sectors.
NNEPRA proudly supports the State of Maine brand, on and off the rails.
