Amtrak Downeaster Discussion Thread

[stevefol]

I note that the Downeaster is going to be completely bustituted between Exeter and Boston for 2 weeks April 22-May 7. What is this about? Does it affect other traffic (CSX)?

https://amtrakdowneaster.com/service-alerts/

[MEC407]

What is this about?
https://amtrakdowneaster.com/service-alerts/

They explain what it's about on the page you linked to — specifically, the last item on the bulleted list:

To learn more about the scheduled work visit: https://www.mbta.com/projects/commuter- ... cy-program

[MEC407]

Unrelated to the previous question:

I happened to be in Old Orchard Beach yesterday in the late afternoon / early evening and caught 685 and 688 sailing through town just before sunset:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3DjuF6Q8R0

[BandA]

Do they vary the meals tax on food depending what state the train is in when they ring it up?

[MEC407]

I don't think they do, but that would be hilarious if they did.

Fun fact: New Hampshire actually has the highest meal tax of the three states the Downeaster operates in.

[MEC407]

Video of three Downeasters passing through Wells, Maine (plus a CSX M427 if you're into that sort of thing):

https://youtu.be/daVTApGMskQ

[daybeers]

Do they vary the meals tax on food depending what state the train is in when they ring it up?

All Amtrak prices include tax, including tickets and items on board.

[RandallW]

Do they vary the meals tax on food depending what state the train is in when they ring it up?

All Amtrak prices include tax, including tickets and items on board.

Right, but set by which state (or states)?

[MEC407]

The Downeaster's café car is not operated or staffed by Amtrak, so Amtrak's practices re: taxes are not relevant to this situation.

[MEC407]

688 at Mountain Junction with extra cars and locomotives, including an Amfleet with Northeast Regional branding:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BYE6PdoCLA

[markhb]

The Downeaster has a $10 special POR-BON (and vice versa) on right now, during track work 4/22-5/7 that requires bustitution between Exeter and Boston, no service to Haverhill and Woburn. Details are up right now on their Service Alert page.

[markhb]

The summer schedule has been posted. One thing I believe is new is that 680/690, the early morning run to Boston, will not stop at Old Orchard.