July 30, 2022
Passenger Rail Service Returns to Burlington with the Inaugural Run of Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express
The newly restored platform and canopy at Burlington Union Station. PHOTO BY BRUCE BECKER
ESPA Board Members Gary Prophet, Andrew Cabal, Bruce Becker, and Tom Martinelli represented ESPA on today's inaugural trip of the Ethan Allen Express from Burlington. There were large crowds at Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland to welcome the new direct service to New York City. Among the Amtrak officials on hand were CEO Stephen Gardner; VP State Supported Services Ray Lang, and NE Government Affairs Director Jane Brophy. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Governor Phil Scott were among the dignitaries who spoke before the train's departure from Burlington. Vermont’s largest city has not seen passenger rail service to New York City since 1953, more than $115 million of local, state and federal funds have been spent to bring the train to the Burlington.
Inaugural Trip Photos by Bruce Becker
Inaugural Trip Video by VT Digger
Print Article & Photos By VT Digger
Vermont Secretary of Transportation Joe Flynn at the inaugural ceremony. Seated from right to left - Former Gov. Howard Dean; Gov. Phil Scott; Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger; Senator Bernie Sanders. Photo by Bruce Becker