The New England governors are asking for federal stimulus funding to improve and expand the region’s light-rail service with a goal of doubling riders by 2030.
The states started submitting applications last week seeking some of the $8 billion set aside by President Barack Obama and Congress for high-speed and intercity rail projects.
The governors want to cut travel time on the Amtrak Downeaster line linking Boston and Portland to two hours and extend it to Brunswick, Maine.
The projects include the development of plans for a Boston to New Haven, Connecticut and Boston to Montreal segments of a high speed rail corridor.
Vermont also hopes to provide direct service down the western side of the state, connecting Burlington, Rutland and Bennington with Albany, New York.