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A Regional Approach

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Trainriders/Northeast and the Vermont Rail Action Network are working for better train service in Vermont, but we are working as part of a regional approach and we want to tell you more about that.

In New England it’s never far to the state line. Vermont’s trains depend on the regional network in order to get to New York and other destinations. The overall health of the network is critical. What happens in other states impacts Vermont.

We are stronger when we work together. Vermont has been fortunate to secure some federal rail funding, but when the congressional delegations of several states work together we are even stronger. When we pool knowledge we can learn from successes elsewhere – for example, replicating the successful TrainHost program that Trainriders/Northeast pioneered in Maine.

In the short-term it will take hard work on the state level to take the next steps to expand rail service. In the long term, the gaps on the map will only be linked from a regional approach, as they cross state lines. Wouldn’t it be nice to go to Boston from Burlington? That’s why an organization that also works in New Hampshire matters!

Trainriders/Northeast has, since 1989, been acquiring experience and a track record of success. We have strong relationships with Amtrak and the states.

Trainriders/Northeast is a membership organization and if you aren’t already a member you should be. It does take resources to make good work happen! And do not forget that there is political power in numbers, if we are committed, unified and focused.

To join Trainriders/Northeast, click here.

Along with many environmental and business groups both Vermont Rail Action Network and Trainriders/Northeast are members of the New England Rail Coalition.

 
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We work in affiliation with Trainriders/Northeast, the regional rail advocates group which conceived and initiated the "Downeaster" Amtrak service from Boston to Maine.  To join Trainriders Northeast,click here.

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Upcoming Events

Rutland to Hoosick Jct Excursion
20.05.2012; Special Train!
via Manchester & N Bennington . . . ... Read More...

Glory Days of the Railroad
08.09.2012; Festival
www.vtglorydaysfestival.com . . . White River Junction ... Read More...

Rutland Train Show
22.09.2012; Exhibition
Rutland Railway Association Train Show -- at the Howe Center Read More...

VRAN Annual Meeting-Middlebury
23.10.2012 - 31.12.1969; Meeting with Dinner
Details TBA Read More...

Local Groups

 

Essex Junction: Railroad Works (Railroad Ave Revitalization Project). Contact Penny Pillsbury 802-878-6955 or brownell_library@yahoo.com.  See "Downtown Essex Junction" on Facebook.

Rutland: Friends of Rutland Rail. contact Herb Font-Russell (802) 855-8437  herirovt@comcast.net.  See Rutland Herald Coverage of Friends of Rutland Rail

Bennington: Southwestern Vermont Rail Corridor Steering Committee.  contact Wendy Rae Woods: (802) 367-1155.  Aim is to restore trains from New York to Bennington and Manchester.

Randolph: Now forming.  Call Lee Khan: (802) 279-3627 or lee_khan@msn.com

White River Junction:  Now forming.  Call Christopher Parker: (802) 579-3394 or e-mail christopher @RailVermont.org

Bellows Falls: Will be formed soon. Call Christopher Parker: (802) 579-3394 or e-mail christopher @RailVermont.org

Brattleboro: Will be formed soon. Call Christopher Parker: (802) 579-3394 or e-mail christopher @RailVermont.org

 

Environmental Benefits of Rail

 

44% of greenhouse gasses in Vermont are produced by transportation (nationally, it's 28%).  If we are serious about the environment we have to change transportation.

Shipping by rail instead of truck reduces pollution (on average) by two-thirds, noise by one half, uses only 29% of the fuel and produces only 23% as much greenhouse gasses.  Freight Rail Carbon Calculator

The U.S. transportation system is 96% petroleum dependent, accounts for 71% of the country’s oil use, and consumes 25% of the world’s net output. 

Passenger trains are 20-40% more efficient.  But consider: if the train is already going there, the carbon footprint of you  riding it is *zero* !  

Rail facilitates better land use, which may make the biggest difference.