Online reservation required for return ride on shuttle bus
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) reminds all those who plan to attend celebratory events on July 19 at Amtrak stations in Vermont and ride the train that they must also make an online reservation in advance if they wish to return on a free shuttle bus.
Train fares of $1 are being offered for travel within Vermont on July 19 so attendees may participate in the celebration with an Amtrak train ride. To reserve a $1 ticket, go to www.amtrak.com/vermont.
For event participants who plan to take the train one-way, free shuttle bus services are available and require an additional online reservation in advance. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The shuttle bus reservation system closes Tuesday, July 13, at 4:30 p.m. Reserve your seat online now:
Shuttle bus options are as follows:
- Passengers who ride the Vermonter train southbound may return by shuttle from Montpelier or Brattleboro to St. Albans (two shuttle offerings).
- In advance of the Vermonter event in Bellows Falls, a shuttle in Brattleboro will take passengers to Bellows Falls, and they may then ride the Vermonter train to Brattleboro.
- Passengers who ride the Ethan Allen train westbound may return by shuttle to Rutland.
- In advance of the Ethan Allen event in Rutland, a shuttle in Castleton will take passengers to Rutland, and they may then ride the Ethan Allen train to Castleton.
By federal mandate, masks are required for all who ride the train and/or bus.
Event highlights:
- St. Albans Station: Congressman Peter Welch will speak at the 8:30 a.m. to celebrate the return of the Vermonter. Also scheduled to speak are Chair of the House Transportation Committee Rep. Diane Lanpher, Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang, Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn, St. Albans Mayor Tim Smith, and Village of Essex Junction Board of Trustees President Andrew Brown, among others.
- Rutland Station: A 7:30 a.m. event will celebrate the return of the Ethan Allen Express. Speakers include David Allaire, who is Mayor of Rutland and a member of the Vermont Rail Advisory Council and the Operation Lifesaver of Vermont Board. Vice-Chair of the House Transportation Committee Rep. Charles “Butch” Shaw will also speak at the Rutland event.
- Operation Lifesaver of Vermont will be providing short presentations on rail safety at each station. At the Montpelier Junction event, free maple creemees will be served by Palmer Lane Maple of Jericho and funded by Vermont dairy farmers and AOT. The celebratory events begin 45 minutes before the trains are scheduled to arrive at all stations. Please check local announcements for more information about events.
Source: Barre, Vt. – The Vermont Agency of Transportation 7.12.2021