Amtrak's Downeaster service (which runs from Portland, ME to Boston) has experienced a 28 percent increase in ridership during the last fiscal year, and rail officials are citing high fuel prices as the primary reason, the Associated Press reports. In addition, ticket revenue was up by 33 percent for the year.
According to Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, an extra 947 passengers rode the Downeaster every day on average– the largest gain for any Amtrak train in the period ending June 30. In addition to high gas prices, she credits increased frequency and a better schedule for the growth of the rail service.