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(Photos courtesy Amtrak)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- The only remaining dome car in Amtrak's fleet is coming to New England--and passengers on the Downeaster will get a chance to take in scenic views from the car in the coming months.
The Great Dome Car features an upper level with windows on all sides, giving passengers a panoramic view of the scenic route through Maine.
Amtrak spokesperson Jason Abrams told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker there are several reasons riders will be interested in the historic car.
"The stunning views, the spectacular opportunities to see these views that you normally don't see when you're riding on a train," he said. "It's kind of a retro train back from the 1950s, so the fact that this is able to be in service and people can ride on it and experience a little bit what train service was like way back when, gives that sense of nostalgia that people really like to experience as well."
It was previously used on the Chicago to Seattle "Empire Builder" route after it was built in 1955, and was known as the "Ocean View" car. It was renovated in 1985 and used on a Washington, D.C. to Orlando route, refurbished again in 1999, and has seen several different routes since then.
Riders will be able to experience the glass-domed car between August 11 and September 23. The Downeaster will make four trips with the special car each day. The seats on the dome car cost the same as any other Downeaster seats, but are first-come, first-serve, and can be booked at Amtrak.com.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) reports