From the Vermont Rail Action Network – a call to discuss additional train service in the region. Is it important? They are having a meeting and would like to know what you think.
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“Tuesday’s meeting in Brattleboro is an important chance to demonstrate public support for additional trains in the Connecticut River Valley.
The meeting will be 6:30 pm, March 25 in the community room at Brattleboro Savings & Loan (221 Main Street, across the street from the library).
The meeting is a public information session about the state rail plan, now being revised, in particular, about the two sections so far completed – the goals & objectives of the plan and the inventory of the existing rail system.
In previous meetings and documents an aspiration has been presented to increase passenger train service in the Connecticut River Valley (at stations from White River Junction south) to three trips per day. An earlier departure in the morning and later return would make day trips to New York possible while additional frequencies that added travel options would produce much higher ridership while spreading costs between more people, improving the financial performance of the trains. It would boost our local economy by making it easier to get here and be here.
A conversation is happening behind the scenes about this that needs your input. Is this goal of additional trains important? It could be part of the rail plan. Or it could be left out.
I get lots of mail from different causes, all about how it’s *critical* that I act today, make my voice heard, etc, etc. I don’t like to do that because not *everything* is critical all the time! But this time, your apperance and comments at this meeting might be particularly well timed and could make a difference.
Of course, the rail plan aims to be a comprehensive planning document for the whole state. It’s a long way from a plan to an “all aboard”, but I have learned that when something gets in the plan, it has a way of showing up later. It positions us. Positions us for federal dollars, sets the wheels of transportation planning and policy in motion, helps guide other decisions and sets the narrative of expectations.
These are the draft goals identified by the consultants who are writing the plan:
Support Vermont’s economy
Upgrade the system to stay connected and competitive
Maintain safe and efficient operations
Seek adequate and stable funding
Balance needs of railroad with human and natural environments
Preserve rail corridors for future transportation use
These are big picture goals, of course. The specifics will be written next.
The state rail plan is being written (according to a federally defined formula) by a consultant team led by Parsons Brinckerhoff, with assistance from the firms Cambridge Systematics and Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. Overseeing the work is Agency of Transportation planner Costa Pappis. We are fortunate to benefit from his good work and integrity.
See you Tuesday,
Christopher Parker, Vermont Rail Action Network Executive Director”
