Vermont Rail System briefs Senate committee on freight, Amtrak service and crossing safety needs

Montpelier — Officials from Vermont Rail System told the Vermont Senate Transportation Committee on Jan. 31 that freight and passenger rail traffic across the state require continued investment in track upgrades, crossing protection and administrative coordination with municipalities and federal agencies.

"We employ about 160 folks," said Peter Young, who introduced aspects of company operations during the committee presentation. Zelda Houghton, introduced at the hearing as president of Vermont Rail System, described the company’s network and recent operating changes. Vermont Rail System said it operates about 450 miles of railroad in Vermont and adjacent areas, hosts the Amtrak Ethan Allen Express and recently acquired operating rights on lines south of White River Junction toward Bellows Falls as part of broader railroad transactions.

Rail freight and capacity needs

Presenters said raising track capacity to the 286,000‑pound car standard is a priority to retain and attract freight customers. Officials said historically parts of the system were rated to a lower standard (about 263,000 pounds per car) and that about half the system has been upgraded toward the 286,000‑pound standard. They asked the committee to support grant matches for additional upgrades on corridors where customer interest is immediate.

Crossings, quiet zones and community concerns

Several senators asked about complaints from constituents near rail lines about horn noise and switching activity, particularly in White River Junction. Vermont Rail System staff explained that public crossings on the Amtrak route are gated, while many other crossings on secondary lines still have flashers only. They said Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules require specific warning procedures at public crossings and that municipalities must generally initiate quiet‑zone projects and fund the physical upgrades (gates, medians and related improvements) required by FRA standards.

Passenger service and intercity connections

The company noted the Ethan Allen Express service between Burlington and New York and said recent infrastructure work — including welded rail projects between Rutland and Whitehall — improved ride quality and allows modest speed increases where completed. Presenters said Amtrak and the state are partners on corridor improvements and that continued capital investment will benefit both freight and passenger operations.

Intermodal and economic considerations

Vermont Rail System representatives said intermodal terminals (container lifts to truck chassis) are concentrated at larger regional hubs such as Albany, Springfield and Montreal and that a competitive intermodal terminal in Vermont would require significant overhead‑lift equipment and sufficient daily volume to be viable. They suggested the Connecticut River corridor could be the best prospect for any larger intermodal or international freight movement because of clearance and preclearance advantages to southern New England markets.

What the committee heard next

Committee members were given multiple follow‑up suggestions: support state grant matches for track upgrades to 286,000‑pound capacity where customers already seek service; work with municipalities that want quiet zones to navigate FRA requirements; and explore targeted investments that improve both freight competitiveness and passenger connections. Officials requested follow-up meetings and offered system tours for legislators.