The update of the Vermont Rail Plan is approaching its destination! All are invited to the final public meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, to review the draft plan and discuss implementation. Maintaining and enhancing Vermont’s rail system increases options for travel, moves bulky freight efficiently, adds to our communities, and improves the environment. Rail serves people and businesses; there’s a video explaining the value of rail in Vermont in under five minutes at https://vtrans.vermont.gov/rail/reports.
What is the Vermont Rail Plan?
The Vermont Rail Plan guides the future of intercity passenger rail (Amtrak) and freight rail. The coordinated update of the Vermont Freight Plan will follow the Rail Plan. In addition, watch for the Rail Corridor ID study over the next few years.
Maintaining a current rail plan:
- provides rail transportation options using Amtrak;
- moves freight efficiently – it is very efficient to move heavy goods by rail;
- meets federal requirements and remains eligible for certain grant programs; and
- supports Vermont goals, such as in the Long-Range Transportation Plan and Comprehensive Energy Plan.
How Can I Help Get the Rail Plan into its Station?
- Share information about this upcoming meeting with elected and appointed officials, staff, your business community, and residents.
- Check out the new contents on the Rail Plan webpage. This is the same link as above. Click the Meeting Material link on it for contents starting 6/2.
- Participate in the in-person meeting that will be held in the Auditorium (Room 110) of 111 State St, Montpelier; access is from Gov. Davis Ave. through the Pavillion Building, and there will be signs. This building is next door to the Vermont State House.
- If you can’t come in person, participate in the meeting online by registering at the Rail Plan webpage starting 6/2, or watch the recording that will be posted afterwards.
- Provide comments by 6/17, then stay engaged in implementation and the update of the Vermont Freight Plan.
Please RSVP using the Registration link. Here’s the link, and it will be on the Rail Plan webpage. Let VTrans know whether you’ll come enjoy the company and light refreshments as well as participate in the meeting or you want the link to join online. If you need assistance to participate, please provide details by 6/5/25. Feel free to contact Zoe Neaderland, VTrans Planning Coordinator, at zoe.neaderland@vermont.gov, with questions, She'll answer or forward your question to the right person.