We took a Round Trip on the Downeaster, this past Saturday to Old Orchard Beach, and as to ridership Train 691, was a sell out. The crew started boarding early at 8:25, and boarded car, by car, until they were full. They then asked people traveling alone to "buddy up", as heavy boarding was expected along the route (which was very true), the first station with a large amount of riders departing was not until Wells. It was reported that over 60 people, including us got off at the "Beach", as the station is called. I never saw a crew so focused on ensuring all riders has seats , and assisting with luggage. On the trip back Train 696 was busy (but no like 691), and we were able to book Business Class, the Cafe Attendant who provides Business Class passengers with their at seat soft drink was outstanding. I wish she could be cloned and used to replace too many poor Cafe Attendants on NEC trains. Some of the good service can be credited with the Northern New England Rail Passenger Authority, who funds the train, sets the schedules, and fares, and the service standards, that it's contracted operator (Amtrak) has to maintain.
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