Amtrak service in Vermont to resume in July

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Amtrak passenger rail service and inter-city bus service will resume in Vermont on July 19.

Service was suspended on March 26, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 state of emergency. The state’s reopening plan is based on the state’s projected vaccination rate. It is estimated that between 60 percent and 70 percent of all Vermonters will be vaccinated by early June. If so, then the state will fully re-open by July 4.

Before service can resume, Amtrak requires at least 90-day notice from the state and must complete route certification.

“We are very pleased to announce the restart of these vital transportation services for Vermonters and those who wish to travel to and from Vermont by train or bus,” Joe Flynn, Vermont Agency of Transportation secretary, said. “With the Governor’s announcement this week of the Vermont Forward Plan to re-open Vermont fully during the next few months, we now have a target date for when we will be able to safely resume Amtrak and transit services in July.”

Vermont is served by two Amtrak lines: the Ethan Allen Express originates in New York City and makes stops in Castleton and Rutland, while the Vermonter originates in Washington, D.C., and travels through Connecticut and Massachusetts.