The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority will hold an open house on Tuesday, June 9, to “help shape the future of the Amtrak Downeaster.”
The public event is part of the rail authority’s Downeaster service development plan, a long-range effort that will guide passenger rail investments and service improvements across Maine and northern New England over the next 15 years.
The Amtrak Downeaster passenger train operates between Boston and Brunswick.
At Tuesday’s forum, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about proposed improvements to Downeaster service, including potential increases in train frequency, reduced travel times, service expansions and plans for a new station in Portland. Staff members and project planners will be available to answer questions and gather public feedback.
“This is a pivotal moment for passenger rail in Maine,” said Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority. “We want the public at the table to help guide decisions.”
Event details
The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, located at 100 Fore St. in Portland.
Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority is a public transportation authority created by the Maine Legislature in 1995 in response to a public initiative led by TrainRiders Northeast.
The authority had operating revenue of $14.66 million in 2025, according to the company’s most recent annual report.
