Downeaster has worst month since launch
The Amtrak Downeaster passenger train service is expected to have its worst month this July since it started in 2001, but ticket revenues have reportedly increased since last year.
The Portland Press Herald reported that the Downeaster has experienced 51 cancellations so far in July, with an on-time performance of around 15% — which pales in comparison to the service’s typical more than 80% figure. There also were two train-related pedestrian deaths that contributed to the train services’ bad month.
The cancellations, some of which have been caused by an extensive rail tie replacement project, have contributed to July ridership being down by 4,600 one-way trips so far, according to a Downeaster official. June ridership was down by 1,500 trips. While delays and cancellations are expected to wane starting next week, a separate rail tie replacement project in the fall could create some, but not as many, disruptions.
Despite expecting to have its worst month yet, the Downeaster reported a new record for ticket revenues in fiscal year 2014, which closed last month: $8.6 million, a 6.2% increase over last fiscal year’s $8.1 million. The passenger train service also saw a 4.6% increase in passengers to 536,524 one-way trips for FY 2014.
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