The Downeaster Means Business

The
Downeaster
Means
Business
A M T R A K D O W N E A S T E R .C O M
A
The Downeaster Means Business
The Amtrak Downeaster is an integral part of Maine’s transportation
network, linking twelve communities in three states. With five round-trips
daily between Boston and Portland, and two round-trips extended to
Freeport and Brunswick, the Downeaster connects Maine people and
businesses to markets beyond our borders.
RIDERSHIP CHART
Ridership has more than
doubled since 2005, and
the Downeaster now carries
more than half a million
passengers annually.
ME
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
“
Brunswick
550,000
500,000
One of the most dynamic influences in our business has been the
addition of the Amtrak Downeaster service from Boston to Brunswick.
Robin and Tori Barron, James Place Inn, Freeport, Maine
”
Freeport
“
Portland
Old Orchard Beach
Saco
“
Exeter
Haverhill
Woburn
Boston
“
”
“
Wells
Dover
Durham
The Amtrak Downeaster introduces a whole new audience to explore
the exciting destinations on both sides of the border. Danny Morton,
Director of Cruise Marketing & Business Development, Nova Star Cruises
The Amtrak Downeaster has helped to add yet another dimension to Old
Orchard Beach with so much to offer to not only tourism but also to its ‘locals’
who have also benefited by the ease of traveling to Boston and beyond.
Jo-Ann E. Lapointe, Beau Rivage Motel, Old Orchard Beach, Maine
”
The Downeaster has allowed the Wells region to attract a growing number of people who
want to live here, and have easy access to the Boston and Portland markets for their
employment and enjoyment. Jonathan Carter, Town Manager at Town of Wells, Maine
”
The Amtrak Downeaster stop in Kennebunk is a key part of our economic development
strategy. Ultimately, we believe the stop will be a critical reason why someone chooses
to not only visit here, but live here in the Kennebunks. Mathew Eddy, Economic
Development Director at the Town of Kennebunk, Maine
”
“
The convenient access to the Amtrak Downeaster for the Exeter area residents, businesses and
commuter students is extremely valued and critical to the quality of life, economic activity, and
it plays a big role in the retention and attraction of residents and businesses to the area.
”
Michael Schidlovsky, President of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce, Exeter,
New Hampshire
The Downeaster is
more than a train ride.
$
$
$
$
The Amtrak Downeaster is an economic engine for Maine. It
creates jobs, stimulates development and supports tourism.
Creates Jobs
The Downeaster service directly employs 100 people, with wages
totaling more than $6.2 million. Annually, $5 million is spent on
goods and services in Maine, positively impacting more than 155
Maine vendors.
Promotes Tourism
The Amtrak Downeaster develops marketing programs that attract
visitors to stations throughout Northern New England, thereby
preserving and creating jobs and supporting small business. In
2014, the Downeaster transported more than 100,000 visitors
to Maine, contributing $29 million in economic impact.
Encourages Private Development
The Downeaster is a catalyst for investment. Millions of dollars
in projects are underway in communities along the Downeaster
route.
The Forefront at Thompson’s Point is an exciting private
development project on Thompson’s Point in Portland, adjacent
to the Downeaster train station. More than $105 million is
being invested to transform this distressed industrial site into a
world class sports and entertainment complex. “Naturally, the
proximity of the Downeaster service significantly contributed
to our decision to invest in this location” says Chris Thompson,
President of the Thompson’s Point Development Company, Inc.
Enhances Mobility
The Downeaster provides mobility to all segments of the
population and to smaller communities with limited access
to public transportation. It makes station communities more
accessible to businesses or individuals looking to relocate, and
links rural communities to Boston.
DID YOU
KNOW?
The Amtrak
Downeaster
Employs
100 people
with
Annual Wages
exceeding
$6.2 million
Purchases
$5 million
in goods & services
From
155
Maine businesses
Transports
more than
100,000
visitors to Maine
who
Contribute
$29 million
in economic impact
Capital Projects Mean
MORE Business for Maine...
Downeaster Expansion Project
The $38 million project expanded service to Freeport and Brunswick,
created 200 construction jobs, stimulated more than $30 million in
private development and generated nearly 100 more jobs.
Downeaster MBTA Track Improvement Project
This $26 million capital project is currently underway, employing railroad
workers, engineers, designers and contractors.
Downeaster
Café
Supports Maine
businesses
7,100+ products sold
The Brunswick Layover Facility
The proposed Brunswick Layover Facility is expected to generate $12.4
million in regional economic output
andFacility
create 80 jobs resulting in
Brunswick Layover
$5.95 million in labor earnings during the construction period.
14,000+ bottles sold
2,150+ Whoopie Pies sold
...and the Region
“
“
14,600+ bottles sold
The Downeaster has been a significant part of the rapid rate of economic
growth, vibrancy of the downtown and overall quality of life here
in Dover. Dan Barufaldi, Director of Dover’s Office of Economic
Development, Dover, New Hampshire
”
We hear from retailers and restaurateurs that they enjoy the added
business from the visitors who come to explore what Haverhill has to offer.
We’ve also had many people tell us what fun they’ve had taking the train
to visit the other communities along the route! Beverly J. Donovan,
Director of Economic Development at the Greater Haverhill Chamber
of Commerce, Haverhill, Massachusetts
1,480+ bottles sold
”
“
The Amtrak Downeaster provides a significant boost to the tourism
industry in Boston, Cambridge and the region. For the past 14 years,
Downeaster passengers have patronized shops, restaurants, hotels,
attractions, museums and sporting events. The spending associated with
these passengers provides an extraordinary impact on the visitor industry
and the Boston economy. Patrick Moscaritolo, President & CEO of the
Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Boston, Massachusetts
”
A M T R A K D O W N E A S T E R .C O M
2,190+ products sold
In one year, 73,000 Maine
made products were sold
generating more than
$67,800