Vermont Rail Action Network

There is a  major reason why we cannot close the Ethan Allen, because it is part of a major corridor project for the Rutland Region and Western Vermont.

The strategic funding plan for the  Western Transportation Corridor Project included improvements to US RT 7 and rail improvements on western lines, from St. Albans to Bennington, ending in Rensselaer NY.  The improvements are broken into small projects but are part of the whole plan to improve the  transportation network in Southwestern VT.   The Ethan Allen will be a stepping stone to the Albany, Bennington, Rutland, Burlington, Essex (ABRBE) Regional Passenger and Freight System to serve Vermonters in state, Tourism  business travelers and the Southwestern Vt Economy (JOBS).  This system is going to be a seamless service to connect to the southern and western section of US freight and passenger service. This would be the final stage. To stop at stage 1 of the plan, the Ethan Allen,  would cut future federal funding and private investment to this Corridor Project. This Rail project has been key to getting major federal funding for track improvements and highway improvement funds. (Senator Jefford’s Legacy Bill $30 million rail improvement)

This was the deal to abandon the Rutland Bypass Project during the 1980's (proposed $175,000 Million project). The State and the Rutland Region agreed to improve existing corridor projects (rail and RT 7) are a major part of this agreement. Therefore, why are we not funding the  largest transportation plan in the state.  During the 1950’s when Interstate 91 and 89 were built, Southwestern Vermont had been promised  that western Vermont was next for improvements. We cannot pull one small piece of corridor infrastructure that’s supporting the economic or transportation network in southwestern Vermont without hurting  the whole structure.

We are not asking for a new highway, interstate or rail projects, we are just asking to improve what we have in place today.   This has been the Agency of Transportation's policies for five years. So, when are we going to finally say that it is time to keep our promises and complete and preserve these western corridor improvement projects.

The Ethan Allen is part of this promise.

1.      The Ethan Allen is an Economic Asset

a.       The Rutland region relies heavily on tourism. Last year there were nearly 20,000 riders on the Ethan Allen and each tourist spends on average $177 a day.

b.      The train (unlike a bus) drives economic development: people make decisions on building, moving, and employment because of the presence of train service

c.       Tourists and residents prefer the train. Bus service in the region was eliminated for lack of ridership

2.      This cut threatens the mobility of all Vermont

a.       The Ethan Allen is the first step of an extended train to Burlington - which is now in jeopardy

b.      Ending rail service on the western part of the state lowers political support for the rail network as a whole (jeopardizing the Vermonter)

c.       If Vermont stops the train, Amtrak will reallocate equipment and we will not get it back.

3.      Strengthening Vermont's Rail System offers more financial benefits than this cut

a.       Ridership is up 17% and could increase dramatically if the service was extended to Burlington.

b.      Better marketing of the rail could increase revenues and ridership even more.

c.       Amtrak fees provide much needed funds for track maintenance and bring federal dollars for upgrades - which we might have to give back if we ended train service