PORTLAND – Amtrak’s Downeaster has met its revenue projections for the entire year 21/2 months ahead of schedule.

The Downeaster had more than 30,000 riders in August, pushing the service past its projected $3.3 million in revenues for the first year of operation, said Michael Murray, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority in Portland.

The August ridership numbers set a new record, surpassing the 29,683 passengers who rode the Downeaster in July, Murray said.

Unlike revenues, ridership numbers are tracking closer to projections; 320,000 passengers were anticipated in the first year.

The Downeaster went into operation last Dec. 15 with four daily trips in each direction between Portland and Boston.

Stops include Saco and Wells in Maine; Dover, Durham and Exeter in New Hampshire; and Haverhill and Woburn in Massachusetts. Old Orchard Beach is a seasonal stop that will end this fall.