Amtrak Downeaster service to get service boost

The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority next week will boost train service along the Amtrak Downeaster service.

Currently, the Downeaster provides five daily round-trips between Portland and Boston, Maine, with three trips that extend to Freeport and Brunswick, Maine. Starting Nov. 12, two additional round trips will serve Freeport and Brunswick on weekdays, with an additional trip on weekends.

The added service is aimed at opening new travel markets for Maine residents traveling to and from Boston for business and leisure, authority officials said in a press release.

The increased trains also could help boost tourist travel to Maine, they added.

The authority serves as the managing agency for Amtrak's Downeaster service.