A familiar sound will be churning through southern Maine once again soon.

The very popular Downeaster train will begin limited service again between Brunswick, Maine and Boston beginning this Monday, according to the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.  The Amtrak Downeaster had stopped it's daily runs back in mid-April.

For the time being, there will be only one round-trip per day starting June 15th with southbound train 680 and northbound train 685.  Check HERE for the schedule.

The Rail Authority will meet later this month to discuss increasing runs later this summer.

Safety protocols will be in effect, with both trains being thoroughly cleaned before and after each trip, and employees and passengers must wear their face masks at all times while onboard. Reservations must be made in advance and there will be no cash transactions, as train stations will remain closed and passengers will have to board via the outdoor platforms.

Trains will run at 50% capacity for the time being.

Crews were able to perform maintenance along some areas of the track that the Downeaster runs on during the train's hiatus, and there may be a short delay or two

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership for the Amtrak Downeaster was increasing and going through the roof with 574, 404 passengers using the service in 2019, and increase of 8% over 2018.

A few years ago service was extended from Portland north to Brunswick, with a stop also in Freeport, the home of L.L. Bean and many other outlet stores and eateries.

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