BRATTLEBORO — Track construction work has begun on the New England Central Railroad and, as a result, bus service will substituted for Amtrak's Vermonter passenger train between Springfield, Mass., and St. Albans this summer.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation said that train service between those two points will be replaced by a special transit coach service operated by Premier Coach of Milton. Premier will transport rail passengers between Springfield and St. Albans, beginning June 17 and continuing through Sept. 15, while construction occurs on the rail lines.
“We have worked very closely with our partners at Amtrak and the New England Central Railroad to ensure that all Amtrak Vermonter passengers do not experience service interruptions while the tracks are being improved. We want the best possible travel experience during this accelerated construction,” said Secretary of Transportation Brian Searles.
“Coach service is the best solution to maintaining travel and construction schedules, and providing on-time service for our passengers,” Searles continued, predicting “minimal impact” for passengers.
An accelerated project schedule will enable New England Central Railroad to complete additional safety improvements along the rail line and enable the project to be completed ahead of the original timeline.
The rail investment for the state-supported Amtrak Vermonter service is expected to reduce Vermont travel times to southern New England and New York City by up to 30 minutes. Funding was provided through a grant from the American Relief and Recovery Act.
Between June 17 and Sept. 15, there will be no more than 67 days when coach service will be used. The Vermonter schedule will be adapted, since passengers will travel on the Vermonter train some weeks, and on the Vermonter coach the rest of the time.
Amtrak conductors will join passengers on the bus to assure continuity of service, and to provide them with information, ticketing, and connection services along the route.
Travelers can continue to make reservations for the Vermonter in their usual fashion: online, by phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL (800-872-7245), or through their travel agent.