Train Service to Old Orchard Beach

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: James Harmon, Chamber Executive Director (207) 934-2500, jeh@oldorchardbeachmaine.com
Press Contact: Greg Burke, IMS-21 - 207-985-1766, greg@ims21.net  

Take the A Train to the Beach Amtrak
to Old Orchard Beach that is!

Old Orchard Beach: If you want to reach the beach in style, without driving your car, then take the A Train - the Amtrak’s Downeaster. 2009 marks the 166th year since train service first began to Old Orchard Beach.

Seasonal train service returned to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, eight summers ago and ridership is up as vacationers and Mainers conserve on driving their cars and enjoy the time-honored tradition of train service. Of course today’s high speed Amtrak rail service is far speedier, more comfortable and more frequent than train service of yesteryear. Nowadays, the Downeaster train stops ten times daily at Old Orchard Beach on its route between Boston and Portland. Amtrak’s Downeaster service to Old Orchard Beach is offered from mid-April through October.

Old Orchard Beach’s train stop is adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce’s Welcome Center and just 100 yards from the beach and numerous beachfront accommodations, allowing for a car-free vacation at the beach.

“We continue to see more and more people ride the train to Old Orchard Beach,” commented James Harmon, Old Orchard Beach Chamber Executive Director. “I love to watch families and visitors getting off the train, beach towels and umbrellas in hand as they had for the beach with big smiles. Word is getting out about how convenient, fun and economical the train is. The benefit to our environment is a bonus.”

Train service first began to Old Orchard Beach in 1842 and continued until the mid 1900’s, before resuming in the summer of 2002.

The recently completed Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce Visitors Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Train Station. The Visitors Welcome Center offers a Reception and Information area, public restrooms, plus offices and function room for the Chamber of Commerce staff and members.

For more information on “Downeaster” rail service to Old Orchard Beach, contact Amtrak at: 1-800-USA-RAIL (800-872-7245) or visit them on the web at: www.thedowneaster.com. Or contact the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce at 207-934-2500 or their web site at www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com