VRAN has a shiny new platform of policy goals. We’re proud of them as they represent some intense work by members like you working hard on our new policy committee. Of course, it isn’t the document that is consequential, but the thought and vision behind it and the strategy and Read more…
Hi friend, You are invited to join us Thursday, December 17th at 11:00 am for a Vermont rail advocates zoom meeting. Joining us will be Joe Flynn, Secretary of Transportation. We will focus on Amtrak and VRAN policy priorities in the coming year. (zoom link at bottom) We’ve been doing Read more…
Hi friend, The state’s commitment to Amtrak service in Vermont and Vermont’s rail network was evident at Wednesday’s meeting of the Governor’s Rail Council. We are very pleased to have heard directly from Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn, who indicated that Amtrak is very much on the mind of the Read more…
Hi friend, The Amtrak Vermonter and Ethan Allen need your help! Can you send a postcard to support Vermont’s Amtrak service? Flights continue into Burlington International Airport and driving is close to normal levels. While tourism and business travel is way down, essential personal travel continues – things like medical Read more…
Hi friend, Good Morning, Please join us at 1:00pm EST today to discuss advocacy strategy regarding rail in Vermont (link below). At this time Amtrak remains suspended in Vermont. Should we be concerned? Should we push for service resumption or work to understand the circumstances? We’ll discuss how to support Read more…
Hi friend, Amtrak has not returned to Vermont after suspension due to the virus. Rail advocates are concerned about this. Lets discuss this and what our response should be. Join us over zoom on Wednesday August 26th at 1:00 pm. [link coming in a future email]
Hi friend, Maine has chosen to resume some Amtrak Downeaster service from Boston. I talked with Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of Northern New England Rail Authority, which manages the service. There are lessons here about what we might expect of Amtrak service returning to Vermont. Downeaster Ridership to Maine: Reduced Read more…
Hi friend, The train chasers were out this week. I even joined them! (I’m not usually that much of a “foamer” as they say, meaning one who foams at the mouth at the sight of a locomotive, but this time there were historical moments to see.) The “Middlebury Tunnel” project Read more…
Hi friend, I’m pleased to share that we have an intern helping this summer. Would you consider a contribution to help fund her stipend? Isabella Wolfsdorf is a student a UVM. Her primary effort will be to build us a new website – something we need to reduce our costs Read more…
Hi friend, As travel resumes and the economy starts moving more trains are running – but no Amtrak in Vermont yet – and Amtrak is proposing slashing it’s national network to run only 3 days a week (a horrible idea). Amtrak lines supported by states like Vermont (which provides operating Read more…