Staff report
Amtrak announced in a “service adjustments due to coronavirus” update on June 17, that “While Amtrak continues to operate across the nation, we have adjusted our train services due to significantly reduced demand.”
Specifically, Vermont’s two passenger lines will be suspended: the Ethan Allen Express (New York City to Rutland) will no longer run north of Albany, New York, and the Vermonter (Washington, D.C., to St. Albans) will no longer run north of New Haven, Connecticut.
While Amtrak has reduced routes since the pandemic began, this is the first announcement affecting Vermont.
At this point there is no timeline for a resumption of services in Vermont, but resumption at some point is presumed and the state is continuing construction through the summer to update its railways for the long-awaited planned extension of the Rutland passenger line to Burlington, which is touted as a key economic development tool for the region.
For the time being, however, Amtrak is waiving all cancellation and change fees for reservations made by Aug. 31. For more information visit 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com.
