All aboard the ‘Solar Express’

Sold-out train will run from Rutland to Burlington and back,
aims to reduce hassles, traffic during April 8 eclipse

Staff report

While everyone knows about the Polar Express, on Monday, April 8, it’ll be the “Solar Express” that takes passengers from Rutland up to Burlington, to witness the solar eclipse in the path of totality, which will last from about 3:26 to 3:29 p.m.

Not surprisingly, tickets sold out quickly.

Nicole Carlson of Vermont Rail System has reported that roughly 25% of the tickets were purchased by Vermonters living outside of the path of totality. The other 75% were bought by out-of-staters who either couldn’t stay in the path of totality or who wanted to avoid potential hassles like traffic jams and difficulty finding parking, Carlson added.

The idea to run the Solar Express train was twofold: to help alleviate traffic congestion and to “provide a really fun experience,” she said.

The train will depart from  downtown Rutland at 8 a.m., passengers will  spend 12:30–4:15 p.m. in Burlington, returning to Rutland by 6:30 p.m. Tickets were $250 per person.

By Aubrey Gemignani, NASA
The total solar eclipse as seen on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 in Oregon.