Amtrak’s Downeaster reaches milestone: 1 million passengers

PORTLAND – Amtrak’s Downeaster recorded a milestone Friday when a New Hampshire passenger became the millionth traveler to ride the train.

Ethel Hubert of Salem, N.H., learned that she was passenger No. 1,000,000 when she boarded Train 668 at the Portland station, said Patricia Douglas, spokeswoman for the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which oversees the service.

Hubert, who has ridden the train several times, was on a day trip to Portland when she boarded the train Friday afternoon, Douglas said.

The passenger train, which runs between Portland and Boston with stops in between, began service on Dec. 15, 2001.

As the millionth passenger, Hubert received a one-year pass on the Downeaster and a $100 gift certificate and tote bag from L.L. Bean. Passengers received “Thanks a Million” T-shirts.