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…
Hi friend, As we’ve all hunkered down and stopped traveling, life has changed – and railroad traffic has diminished. Amtrak’s “Vermonter” and “Ethan Allen” remain canceled – as is the “Adirondack” across the lake in New York and the “Downeaster” service in Maine. Amtrak is running only four trips between Read more…
Hi friend, Work on the Middlebury tunnel project has stopped for now, in conformance with the Governor’s order to stop all construction projects in the state to maintain social distancing to limit CoVid-19 spread. The project was about to ramp up to the most intense phase, closing down the railroad Read more…
Hi friend, Effective tomorrow, March 26th, Amtrak’s Ethan Allen and Vermonter are suspended in Vermont, in conformance with Governor Scott’s stay at home order. Wishing you the best, Christopher Parker, Executive Director
Do you support and want to see more passenger rail in the state of Vermont? If so, sign our petition and let your State Rep know! Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2019 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Where: Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center (The Montpelier Room) 100 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 Tickets: FREE (Donations accepted online & Read more…
Hi friend, Amid cancellations, railroads – and railroaders – remain on the job for us. Our own legislative reception on March 24th is cancelled, along with the legislature itself. The state house is shut down. The legislature is making plans for how to accomplish business remotely. VTdigger has more. Amtrak continues Read more…
Hi friend, Our legislative reception on March 24 is your chance to meet other rail supporters and share the importance of rail with legislators. Please register and see the details here. Thanks Christopher Parker, Executive Director