Here my thoughts about electrification: – overhead wire and substations are expensive. The capital cost for electrification is about double an ordinary track. The benefits are large enough to make up for that (though not to Wall Street), however it works best when the electrification cost is spread out over Read more…
This commentary is by Dan Peacock, a member of the Vermont Rail Action Network, the Rail Passengers Association, and Trains in the Valley. Originally Published in Vermont Digger To highlight Amtrak’s return to Vermont on July 19, 2021, the Vermont Agency of Transportation offered $1 fares, prompting celebrations at 14 Read more…
New bus connections now get you from Amtrak’s Vermonter at the Windsor Locks station right to Bradley Airport (Hartford) in Connecticut and from the train to the Big e in West Springfield. They also connect from the Valley Flyer Amtrak services from Greenfield MA. Another bus runs from Springfield train Read more…
Ferrisburg day is this Saturday. The Vergennes train station will hold an open house from 1-3 pm. Come check out your new Amtrak stop (starting early next year). It’s at the Ferrisburg Park and Ride where Route 7 meets 22A At 2:00 pm there will be an Operation Lifesaver presentation Read more…
Improving the financial sustainability of the Amtrak network should be the result of the new twice daily Amtrak bus connection at Albany running north to Bennington – Manchester – Rutland – Middlebury – Vergennes – Burlington that began in July. The basic concept of the 150 Amtrak bus connections across Read more…
Want an Amtrak ticket to downtown Burlington? Middlebury? Manchester? Bennington? Vergennes? Rutland at additional times that the train doesn’t run? You can get one! Today! Even though the Ethan Allen won’t roll into Burlington until 2022. How? By using the Amtrak website (amtrak.com) which will sell you a coordinated ticket Read more…
Well, it’s been 2 weeks and change since Amtrak resumed in Vermont. How’s it going? You may recall that mother nature gave us drama in the days before reopening day as a storm washed out a culvert at Putney/Dummerston border on the New England Central. We had celebrations at every Read more…
Besides the huge July 19th celebration, Amtrak is offering a 50% off sale for the travel on the Vermonter north of New Haven and entire route of the Ethan Allen — but you must book before the end of Thursday. This bargain is NOT available at the regular Amtrak website. Read more…
Amtrak resumes service in Vermont on July 19th — and plans are under way at every station (and on board) to celebrate! A special $1 fare is being offered for July 19th only, between any points in Vermont. Reservations will be essential and can be made at https://www.amtrak.com/vermont VTrans will Read more…
I always learn something at rail council. Last Thursday, the Vermont Rail Council met and heard updates from VTrans on the resumption of the Vermonter, extension of the Ethan Allen to Burlington, resumption of trains to Montreal and the state’s ongoing investment in its rail network. Council member and longtime Read more…