Resources from the Vermont Rail Advocacy Network

Addressing Some Misconceptions About Rail

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It's time to address some misconceptions.

Occasionally someone will say there isn't enough population in Vermont to justify train service.

Rubbish!

Does anyone say there isn't "enough" driving to "justify" quiet interstate 91?  Of course not.

There were almost 100,000 Amtrak trips in Vermont during Amtrak's 2012 fiscal year.   Trains are sometimes sold out (around holidays and at school breaks).  Even in the slackest off season times, the Vermonter fills multiple coaches.  Ridership has been rising significantly over the last 10 years.  2012 was up more than 5%.

What makes "enough" ridership? 

How do you even answer a question like that?  You can't, and the reason is the question pre-judges that some places and some trips are "justified" and others are not.  Of course there are valid criteria for planning service, but this conversation isn't about that, it's about people in larger metro areas not understanding the scale of Vermont. 

We can't go down that road.  We are one country and Vermont matters as much as Oklahoma or Montana or New York.

Furthermore, Vermont has put it's money down to support a good transportation network in our state.  Vermont pays Amtrak to run here, recognizing the public benefit that transportation connections bring for the economy and future vitality.

It's appropriate for Vermont to have good service at a scale that fits the state. 

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The next misconception is that the remedy for not having "enough" ridership is to cut service.

Also often not true.

Consider the planned extension of the Vermonter an additional two hours north to Montreal.  Right now people board at each station until the train becomes full.  But a shopping mall works best with anchor stores at both ends and so does a train.  Starting with a full train at Montreal, Quebecois would get off at each stop, replaced by those who now board.  A considerable increase in efficiency with a short extension.

Consider the planned extension of the Ethan Allen an additional hour and forty minutes to Burlington.  According to Amtrak serving the larger population of Chittenden County would grow the train's ridership by 50%, bringing more extra revenue than additional operating cost.

Consider the effect of two frequencies instead of one.  Does a second train half ridership on the first?  No, because now you have not one option, but four (the first train, the second, and the two possible combinations).  The rule of thumb is that the second train attracts as much ridership as the first without hurting ridership on the first, the third brings a 50% increase and returns diminish after that.  Meanwhile many costs (for stations and other facilities) are further spread between more riders.

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Another misconception: that we spend "a lot" of money for trains.

In the world of transportation programs, rail projects are cheap.

Three miles of the Bennington bypass highway just cost $95 million.  The just completed ARRA funded upgrade of the Vermonter rail line the *entire length* of the state (190 miles) cost $52 million.  One single bridge between Oregon and Washington state will be a $4 billion project.

No question, infrastructure price tags seem large, but they produce public benefits to match.

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Lastly: It is true we have less trains than other places, being that we are indeed a rural state, but even if a railroad line seems quiet one should still expect a train at any time and thus stay off it!  Safety first!

Would you walk down the middle of a quiet state highway, even when there are no cars around?  You shouldn't.  (If I do say so, myself)  Give the railroad - and yourself - the same respect.

 

Thank You to Train Day Donors

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We would like to thank the following donors for helping to contribute to making the Brattleboro National Train Day a success through their donations of food and supplies and help:

  • Amtrak
  • Mary Aehlers & Cassidy Bermnier
  • Ray Branigan
  • Brattleboro Food Coop
  • Brattleboro Mason's Lodge 102
  • Brattleboro Valley of the Scottish Rite
  • Brugger's Bagels
  • Eric Ernst
  • Hannaford's 
  • G. Housen Beverage
  • John Leader Beverage
  • Debbie Martin
  • Gordon & Lauren Norwood
  • Marshall Patton
  • Pepsi
  • Price-Chopper
  • Deb Sanderson
  • Shriners
  • Dorothy Sullaway
  • Jerry Taylor
  • Reese Vigneau
  • Wal-Mart
  • Yankee Dollar Store
 

NECR, WACR Injury-Free in 2012

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The New England Central Railroad and the Washington County Railroad (part of Vermont Rail System) were recognized with the Jake Award with Distinction given by the American Shortline Railroad Association for railroads with no FRA reportable injuries in 2012.

Railroads are the safest form of transportation and this is because of a concerted effort by the entire organization.  Safety first is more than a slogan.

 

Excursion Trains Return to Bellows Falls

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Green Mountain Railroad scenic excursion trains once again depart from the Bellows Falls Depot after a three year absence.

Excursion trains had been moved to White River Junction, where they will also continue to run.

Trains will run Tuesday and Friday at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. from the 24th of September through the Oct. 25th.

More Information Here

Below: Green Mountain Railroad's historic Alco RS1 diesel waits for Amtrak's Vermonter to pass before crossing the tracks to access the Bellows Falls station:

Bellows Falls Station and diamond crossing

 

 

Agency of Transportation to Apply for TIGER grant for Western Corridor

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The Vermont Agency of Transportation will apply for federal Western Corridor funding from the competitive TIGER program.  

The application will seek around $10 million in funds to cover safety and infrastructure upgrades between Center Rutland and Middlebury including crossing upgrades, bridge work, new continous welded rail and surfacing.

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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.