| CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch announced today that the Downeaster will add a fifth daily round trip in 2007. The improved rail service is made possible by New Hampshire's contribution of $1.6 million of federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds.
"To reduce congestion on our roads and to improve the quality of lives of our citizens, we must continue to work to improve transportation alternatives, including rail. The Downeaster has been extremely successful and popular, and this new trip will make it even more convenient for New Hampshire citizens to commute by rail," Gov. Lynch said.
The Downeaster has been a partnership between New Hampshire, Maine and the Federal Transit Administration. New Hampshire is dedicating $1.6 million from its federal air quality improvement allocation to make the track improvements necessary to add the fifth trip.
"This is a great example of a regional partnership that is improving the quality of life and expanding opportunities for the citizens of New Hampshire and Maine," Gov. Lynch said.
Maine and NH entered into a partnership with the FTA to fund a construction program that will increase capacity on the railroad between Plaistow, NH and Portland, Maine, which will allow a fifth daily Downeaster roundtrip. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in the spring or summer of 2007.
In addition, the Downeaster schedule will be improved to provide an earlier weekday arrival in Boston - at 8:25 a.m. instead of 8:50 p.m. The Downeaster will also be adding a 5 p.m. weekday departure from Boston North Station, in addition to the current 6:20 p.m. departure.
"This new schedule will give commuters and leisure travelers more options and make the train an even more appealing alternative," Gov. Lynch said.
To accommodate the expanded schedule until construction is complete next year, Concord Trailways and C & J Trailways will operate an 11 p.m. "Downeaster" Bus from North Station.
"The additional roundtrip, and the ticket reciprocity between the Downeaster and C&J Trailways that was developed as part of this process, greatly increase the choices that are available for public transportation in New England," said New Hampshire Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray. "I am very pleased that New Hampshire was involved in this creative solution to expand the transportation options for this region. By working together, we have demonstrated that collaboration and cooperation bring positive results." |
