Friday, July 29 — RUTLAND — Friday, July 29 the Amtrak Ethan Allen Express train will begin service between New York City and Burlington. On that day, a celebration will be held at the James M. Jeffords Rail Passenger Welcome Center, locally known as the Rutland Amtrak station, as the Ethan Allen Express arrives from Burlington and travels to New York. The public is invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch served by The Maple Angus beginning at 11:30 a.m. and brief remarks to follow at 12 p.m. as we celebrate this historic event. The event is hosted by the Mayor of Rutland City, the Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC), the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), and the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR).
Ethan Allen Express train enters Croton Harmon station New York, en route to Rutland.
“Rutland has been Amtrak’s northern home for 25 years. We are excited that it will now connect New York City and Rutland to Burlington,” said the mayor of Rutland, David Allaire. In a statement issued by Governor Phil Scott as part of a press release provided by VTrans, Governor Scott said, “Providing this new service along the western corridor wouldn’t have happened without the partnership between the Agency of Transportation, the General Assembly, Vermont’s Congressional delegation, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the willingness of communities along the way. This new service will benefit Vermonters in countless ways, all while helping to grow our economy.”
RRPC Executive Director Devon Neary pointed out that, “Rutland is the essential connecting link between these two urban centers and the improved access to our outdoor adventure-based tourism will be a boon for the Region.”
“This is yet another positive economic development for Rutland City and the entire County”, added CEDRR Executive Director Lyle Jepson.
Since 1996, Amtrak service has been offered between Rutland and New York City. The station, in its current location, was opened in 1999. In 2007, to celebrate U.S. Senator Jim Jeffords’ 32 years of public service, the station was renamed the James M. Jeffords Rail Passenger Welcome Center. The City of Rutland is planning to revitalize the station area and create a welcoming gateway to all passengers with the help of a $375,000 grant from the Vermont Agency of Transportation.
Organizers hope that business leaders, residents and visitors will join in the celebration at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 29.
