The Rail Comeback

Passenger rail all but disappeared in Vermont and many other parts of the nation in the last 50 some odd years, but now it may be making a comeback. Vermont recently appointed Robert Ide, formerly of the Department of Public Service, to direct Vermont's rail programs. Rail advocates such as Mike Coats, chairman of the Vermont Rail Council, are excited that Ide will takeover this position as they are confident he knows what needs to be done to get rail moving again. Ide may not have the easiest ride, however, as the rail system in Vermont is outdated and non-existent in some places. Whereas, people looking to travel out of state by train 50 or more years ago would have several choices, today they have very few. The rail lines that do transport people out of state, such as the Amtrak Vermonter line, have seen increases in ridership of 14 percent and higher in the past year. As a result, Ide and other rail enthusiasts eyeing raising fuel costs and the potential for this viable alternative may have some room to bring rail in Vermont forward. [Sources: The Reformer 1 & The Reformer 2]