Passenger Trains > Ethan Allen Burlington inaugural

Today was the first day of Amtrak Ethan Allen service from Burlington, VT.  There were inaugural ceremonies at Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland.  The Burlington inaugural featured numerous dignitaries, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Amtrak President Stephen Gardner.  The train left roughly on-time, but lost about thirty minutes due to ceremonies and high passenger counts at Vergennes and Middlebury.  However, schedule padding had them early into Rutland, and out on time.  I was impressed with the enthusiastic crowds at Burlington and Middlebury, the two station where I caught up with the train.

1) Train 290 at Middlebury, having exited the new tunnel under the town center.

2) Burlington, with the Adirondacks looming in the background across Lake Champlain.

3) Vermont's junior senator (!) delivers his remarks.

Dave

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4) Amtrak crew awaiting departure

5) Amtrak President Stephan Gardner delivers his remarks

6) P32ACDM 708 ready to lead the Ethan Allen south to Rutland

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7) Train 290 arriving at Middlebury

8) Leaving Middlebury

9) Inside Burlington Union station...yes, it was a "Union Station", serving both the Rutland and Central Vermont at one time.

Dave

 

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Super coverage, Dave, and great photos. Many thanks.

Thanks for the report and pictures.

Posted from Android

Nice pics Dave!

Excellent coverage and photos.. It certainly is nice to see something positive for a change.

So  that is  what a progressive  state looks  like!!

Outstanding photo work!! Looks like this service will do great! I plan to visit friends in Burlington this Fall. I'll be flying one way but will take the Ethan Allen back.

Thanks, David P, for posting these photos.

Great photos, looks like it will be a pretty ride.

Posted from iPhone

Terrific shot leaving Middlebury.  Thanks for the great coverage.  BSB