Officials
with Amtrak warn that Vermont could find it difficult to re-start rail service if
budget cuts force the state to discontinue a route between Albany and Rutland. Amtrak
says the nation faces a shortage of passenger rail cars, so getting the train
back on track could take a long time.
About
75 people packed into Rutland’s train station yesterday afternoon to voice their
support for Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express.
The train provides daily passenger service between Rutland and New York City.
A plan to cut
Amtrak service to Rutland isn’t winning any supporters there. A group calling
itself the Vermont Rail Action Network is planning a save-the-train rally there
at 4 p.m. today to urge state leaders not to cut the service.
As part of the state’s budget cutting, the
Transportation Agency wants to eliminate passenger rail service between Rutland and Albany, New York. It would be replaced with a
bus that would stop in additional Vermont towns.
Health care advocates say Vermont’s system could be a model for the country; Amtrak service may be reduced; Third priest sex abuse trial opens; Fairpoint expands broadband service in Bennington County; Vt. State Police director will retire next year; and commentator Ted Levin on barn owls.
Tight budgets
could squeeze some bus and train service in Vermont at a time when the demand for public transportation
is on the rise in some parts of state.