PORTLAND, Maine — Every day in Maine, nearly 200 passengers depend on the Amtrak Downeaster as their chosen mode of transportation.
Their loyalty and the appeal of the service were recently underscored by a record-breaking August, with over 61,000 passengers.
However, with this surge in ridership comes an important decision that could impact commuters and travelers in the region.
Amtrak has proposed a plan to increase certain fares, a move that awaits approval in the coming weeks.
Many local passengers rely on the Amtrak to commute to work daily.
"I go to work with the train. I decided I would go with public transportation." Christina Astrachan, a passenger, said.
For the first time in five years, Amtrak is contemplating raising Downeaster prices, possibly increasing them by anywhere from $2 to $6 each way.
Currently, Astrachan's roundtrip fare to and from Brunswick is $6, an affordable option that she values. She said that even with the proposed increase, she remains committed to using the train.
"It's okay because it was so cheap to begin with. I was stunned at how low the price was," Astrachan said.
Despite the rebound in ridership since the pandemic, rising operational costs continue to pose challenges for the Amtrak Downeaster.
Natalie Bogart from The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority outlines the factors contributing to these increased costs.
"Fuel prices, the cost of insurance, and overall operation are really where we see a lot of those costs," Bogart said.
The increased costs have driven up the Downeaster's operating expenses by 20%, according to Bogart.
According to the NNEPRA, the maximum one-way coach fares will not exceed $6, depending on the distance traveled. For those seeking a more luxurious journey in premium Business Class seating, the fare will not surpass $12 per ride.
The Amtrak Downeaster has been a significant contributor to the region's economy for two decades.
Chris Chop, the Greater Portland Council's transportation director, said, "That support at that time has continued into recent years to create a sense of ownership. Folks have pride and support in the Downeaster and are in support of the service."
"The ferries have gone up. Other modes of transportation are going up. So, we feel it's what needs to be done to sustain the service and that it's fair and reasonable," Bogart.
The board of directors is expected to make a decision on the proposed fare increase at a public meeting on Oct. 23 at 3 p.m.
If approved, the new fares will take effect on Nov. 1.