What is "downeaster"

The Downeaster is a regional passenger train service, managed by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA, created by the State of Maine), and operated by Amtrak. Named for the Down East region of Maine, the train runs from North Station in Boston, Massachusetts to Brunswick, Maine, with 10 intermediate stops. The train operates five daily round trips between Portland and Boston, two of which continue to Brunswick.

In fiscal year 2013, the Downeaster carried 560,000 passengers. In November 2012, service was extended to Freeport and Brunswick, an expansion expected to add 36,000 annual riders.