Transportation Board Schedules Public Forums on Rail

The Vermont Transportation Board this fall will hold a series of public forums for the purpose of gathering public comment about State transportation policy associated with trains, both passenger and freight. At the forums, the Board wants to discuss railroad issues with the public to determine how future transportation policy can be shaped to best position Vermont’s rail interests to meet the needs of the state residents.

“Vermont is poised to significantly expand passenger rail in the very near future, while at the same time the state also is seeking growth opportunities for both the movement and off-loading of freight,” said David Coen, Acting Chair of the Transportation Board. “As a result, we want to have a conversation with Vermonters to both hear their suggestions as well as understand their concerns regarding these new services and how the state uses its rail lines.”

Topics the Board plans to discuss include:

• Living with railroads as neighbors, and the issues they present.
• Passenger rail expansion along Vermont’s western corridor between Rutland and Burlington.
• Passenger rail expansion from various points in Vermont to Montreal.
• Truck traffic through villages and town centers, and the effect of rail expansion.
• Adjacent rail-side economic development and planning for increased rail activity.
• Starting commuter rail service linking Brattleboro to various points in Massachusetts.
• Rail Safety, including crossings, trespassing and response to potential emergency incidents.

People who cannot attend a hearing can submit written comment. For more information, contact the Board’s Executive Secretary John Zicconi at [email protected] or by calling 802-828-2942. To view the Board’s PowerPoint presentation, click here. To view the full press release,click here.