Downeaster ridership grows to pre-pandemic levels, with record revenue

Courtesy / Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority The Amtrak Downeaster transported a half-million annual riders in fiscal year 2023 riders for the first time since FY19.

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By Laurie Schreiber

The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority said this week that the Amtrak Downeaster transported 516,723 riders in fiscal year ending June 30, exceeding a half-million annual passengers for the first time since FY19, before the pandemic.

Ridership has been steadily rising and the trend is projected to continue, the authority said in a news release. Preliminary reports indicate record-breaking ridership in July.

Ticket revenue of $10.42 million in FY23 was the highest in the Downeaster's 21-year history, with a record-breaking average fare per passenger of $20.17. The rail authority said 50% ticket discounts for children, seniors and disabled passengers were expanded or streamlined during the year to simplify the customer reservation process.

“It is very rewarding to see Downeaster ridership continue to grow across all markets, trains and stations,” said Natalie Bogart, the authority’s deputy director, “The results are particularly impressive given that Massachusetts track construction required more than 400 trains to operate limited service last fiscal year.”

The diverse cross-section of riders included business travelers, tourists, families and students as well as 4,500 passengers with disabilities, more than 2,000 bicycles and nearly 1,000 pets.

In the weeks following the onset of the pandemic, Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and Amtrak canceled most of the Downeaster's scheduled service. In FY 2021 the system carried fewer than 118,000 passengers, according to Downeaster records.

In recent customer satisfaction surveys, train comfort, cleanliness and crew friendliness were among the best-rated service elements.

The Downeaster makes five round-trips daily between Brunswick and Boston's North Station, serving 10 communities along the way, including Freeport, Portland, Saco, Wells and a seasonal stop in Old Orchard Beach. Trains have been selling out regularly.