Passenger Trains > A Great Article on Rail in Vermont

Confessing to a little bias as I am (accurately) quoted in the piece, here is an outstanding article by C.B. Hall on the status of rail in Vermont. Mr. Hall is that rare reporter who (like Bob Johnston) actually knows trains.

https://vermontbiz.com/news/2025/july/13/passenger-rail-looking-ahead

 

Good read! Very interesting..... 

- Extending the Ethan Allen Express to Essex Junction creates flexibility between the Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express and could allow for interesting service. But the Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express both leave these northern terminus (Essex Junction and Burlington) at the same time (and arrive at nearly the same times northbound). Yes, they serve different intermediate stations, but a bit more variable departures or additional frequency would be better. It's complicated.
- Extending the Valley Flyer up to Brattleboro should definitely be done, but do it right - and get it up to White River Junction. It's not that much more mileage as much as the article is portraying it. It's 60 miles, but there is a ton of storage space in White River Junction. They talk about additional equipment needed for White River Junction being a terminus over Brattleboro, which I don't fully understand if Amtrak would allocate and schedule the Valley Flyer / Springfield Shuttles more smartly. There had been a train during the overnight Montrealer years that ran as a daylight train from White River (bus connection to/from Burlington) to Washington DC. 
- Montreal is a must extension for the Vermonter - stalled as usual. 
- NO talk about running the Ethan Allen Express down the southwestern leg of Vermont to say Manchester and North Bennington (HUGE population area) and then over to Albany. Keep the Ethan Allen more in Vermont before heading west into NY State. 
- NO talk about trying to reach the ski resorts via train between Bellows Falls and Rutland - the diagonal link in the State that still does exist in rail form. Would love to see some sort of more integrated service there - even if seasonal. 

The overnight Montrealer train is gone. Miss that train a LOT! It was the perfect New York City get away train to upstate Vermont and Montreal on an overnight schedule (Friday evening escape, Monday morning return!!!!). 

Good read though!

This is interesting reading for sure. As for the loss of Amtrak's Stephen Gardner, I cannot see where that has or will result in any detriment to Amtrak. In my judgment that happened due to known political alliance not to the subject of rail travel. Also my guess with regard to state supported services is that the primary burden for expansion will likely rest with states. The major comfort given the current federal administration is that they do not seem to be as negative to the national network as feared, an amazingly good thing and much to be thankful for. Air travel does not fulfill everyone's needs and there are those including myself that believe it's for the birds. I usually don't have to be there yesterday. and can plan ahead.

My use of the Vermonter over the last number of years has only been when travelling to or from the NE Corridor. The end of overnight service has basically eliminated same day transferring to any long distance trains. Also years ago we could check baggage, so these days I originate and terminate at Albany - Rensselaer where there is good parking and full services.