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Amtrak travel times between Portland, Ore. and Boston might be reduced because Surface Transportation Board recently authorized 79 mph train speeds on sections of the Downeaster.



Amtrak has operated Downeaster trains at 60 mph since 2001. Last spring, Amtrak conducted testing on the track and submitted results to STB.



Amtrak and Maine’s Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which is served by the Downeaster, plan to work with track owner Guilford Rail System to implement the higher speeds, although a timeline has not been determined.



The Downeaster operates four daily trips between Portland and Boston.