The following was written by  J. William Vigrass.

Click here for the full-text - it''s quite interestin

When railroad companies invest in improvements to their physical plant with internally generated funds, they must be assured of an internal rate of return equal to or better than the cost of borrowing money in the private market. In contrast, when the Corps of Engineers makes improvements to the inland waterways system, the barge operators do not put up any investment dollars. When the FHWA and state DOT’s improve highways, the truckiy has added to the pressure for widening existing Interstates and building new Interstates where they do not now exist.

Tests done under the auspices of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) have proven highway damage is geometrically related to heavy loads. There is good reason to divert heavy loads off highways onto railroads since the latter are engineered to handle heavy loads.

With several good reasons to add more railroad service, why has not more been done? The answer is, very simply, the railroads cannot afford to make the necessary investments. Their margin of profit is held down by truck competition for the most part. Common carrier truck rates are held down by the ubiquitous owner-driver who often works for bare wages, fuel, a contribution to maintenance and little or nothing for depreciation.

The Vermont Rail Action Network is a team and a citizen's movement, which means your participation is critical. If you believe that Vermont would be better with more trains (and less road vehicle pollution) then we need your voice, your hands and your gumption.

We'd like to make a place for everybody's individual contribution, so please contact us and let us know your interest.  We've got a volunteer sign-up form (click here) for you to use so we make sure we've got all the details and it gets entered into our database automatically.

To start your thoughts, here are some volunteer crews we are planning on organizing:

- Local service on projects to improve train service
- Distributing Timetables and Flyers
- Outreach at Events & Gatherings
- Legislative Education
- Station and on-board "Train Hosts"
- Letters to the Editor & Media Outreach
- Writing team for the newsletter, website and material

There's a link to a job description for each role.

From time to time we'll send action alerts, asking _everyone_ to contact their legislator or otherwise make their voice heard when the timing is critical. Sometimes this will mean well-timed phone calls and e-mails. Occasionally, there will be meetings.

Almost important as taking action is learning, so consider signing up for the e-newsletter (sign up at left) and keeping an ear to rail news as one way of being an engaged citizen.

We're now orgnaizing local groups of volunteers who will work together on projects to improve rail service at each station.  Groups are starting in Rutland, Bellows Falls, Randolph and Burlington/ Essex Junction.

We also have a special wish list for donations of specific services and items.