On July 27, 2022

Rutland celebrates Amtrak service

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).

By Adam E. Moreira, courtesy Wikicommon
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.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Local road construction plans for 4th of July week

July 2, 2025
The following is a weekly report that lists its planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of June 30. Most construction projects will pause work for the 4th of July `Local roads in Rutland and Windsor County, include:     I-89 Royalton Construction continues Monday through…

Ribbon cuttings in Ludlow and Proctorsville highlight local business growth

July 2, 2025
A pair of ribbon cuttings on June 20 held by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) marked a day of celebration for two local businesses and offered a boost of momentum to the region’s small business economy. In Ludlow, Aubuchon ACE Hardware unveiled its newly renovated store on Main Street with a grand…

Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut

July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…

Rutland Sculpture Trail announces 14th installation

July 2, 2025
The 14th addition to the Rutland Sculpture Trail will honor the community’s giving spirit, volunteerism, and inspiration - and the national record for donating blood. Organizers have commissioned a piece honoring Rutland’s Gift-of-Life Marathon (GOLM), which still holds the one-day U.S. record for blood donations 12 years after setting the record and continues to inspire…