On the verge of its 50th anniversary, the outlook for Amtrak has brightened considerably. The passenger railroad has received federal support to restore daily service on a dozen long-distance routes, order new locomotives and passenger cars, and extend services on existing routes, members of the rail advocacy group Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA) were told at their annual meeting this past weekend. Because of the pandemic, the meeting was held virtually. Among the improvements: The Ethan Allen Express between New York City and Rutland via Albany will be extended to Middlebury and Burlington, Vt., in early 2022, according to Lucas Irvine, road foreman of engines for Amtrak’s Empire Corridor. Construction of a tunnel through downtown Middlebury and other track and platform work are expected to be completed during this year’s construction season, said Christopher Parker, executive director of the Vermont Rail Action Network.
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With new administration, rail outlook brightens
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A New York-bound Amtrak train prepares to leave the Albany-Rensselaer train station on Monday Feb. 25, 2019, in Rensselaer, N.Y. Projects to improve passenger flow to the platforms are planned. (Will Waldron/Times Union)Will Waldron/Albany Times Union
On the verge of its 50th anniversary, the outlook for Amtrak has brightened considerably.
The passenger railroad has received federal support to restore daily service on a dozen long-distance routes, order new locomotives and passenger cars, and extend services on existing routes, members of the rail advocacy group Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA) were told at their annual meeting this past weekend.