113x Filetype PDF File size 2.05 MB Source: www.ccrpcvt.org
DRAFT Regional Rail Service The Vermont Way Authored by Christopher Parker and Carl Fowler November 30, 2017 Contents Contents 2 Executive Summary 4 The Budd Car RDC Advantage 5 Project System Description 6 Routes 6 Schedule 7 Major Employers and Markets 8 Commuter vs. Intercity Designation 10 Project Developer 10 Stakeholders 10 Transportation organizations 10 Town and City Governments 11 Colleges and Universities 11 Resorts 11 Host Railroads 11 Vermont Rail Systems 11 New England Central Railroad 12 Amtrak 12 Possible contract operators 12 Dispatching 13 Liability Insurance 13 Tracks and Right-of-Way 15 Upgraded Track 15 Safety: Grade Crossing Upgrades 15 Proposed Standard 16 Upgrades by segment 16 Cost of Upgrades 17 Safety 19 Platforms and Stations 20 Proposed Stations 20 Existing Stations 22 Construction Methods of New Stations 22 Current and Historical Precedents 25 Rail in Vermont 25 Regional Rail Service in the United States 27 New Mexico 27 Maine 27 Oregon 28 Arizona and Rural New York 28 Rural Massachusetts 28 Executive Summary For more than twenty years various studies have responded to a yearning in Vermont for a regional passenger rail service which would connect Vermont towns and cities. This White Paper, commissioned by Champ P3, LLC reviews the opportunities for and obstacles to delivering rail service at a rural scale appropriate for a rural state. Champ P3 is a mission driven public-private partnership modeled on the Eagle P3 which built Denver’s new commuter rail network. Vermont’s two railroads, Vermont Rail System and Genesee & Wyoming, have experience hosting and operating commuter rail service utilizing Budd cars. Twelve rebuilt Budd cars have been purchased and are in good condition. The Budd cars offer a lighter footprint of capital and operating costs and a significant reduction in greenhouse gasses. Three routes are discussed: 1.) St. Albans to Burlington/Essex Junction, 2.) Montpelier/Barre to Burlington, 3.) Rutland to Burlington. The routes total 142 miles of which 125 miles are operated or planned to be operated by Amtrak and are already rated for 59 mph passenger service. Amtrak’s Vermonter operates from Montpelier Junction through Waterbury and Essex Junction to St. Albans on track owned by Genesee & Wyoming’s New England Central Railroad that was rebuilt with ARRA funds for the purpose of enhanced passenger service. Amtrak’s Ethan Allen will soon be extended north from Rutland through Middlebury to downtown Burlington. The track is being rebuilt to 59 mph. Service could supplement, not replace, existing LINK commuter busses. The railroad passes close to several large employers the LINK bus does not reach, notably the Global Foundries campus, Fletcher-Allen’s Fanny Allen campus and Saint Michael’s College. The LINK, will better serve the University of Vermont, Fletcher Allen’s main campus and National Life. Twenty-four major employers are adjacent or very close to the tracks and are identified within this White Paper. Passenger equipment has been purchased and the majority of track identified in suggested routes is already rated for passenger service. The one-size-fits-all approach to urban rail service, does not always apply to a regional rural approach or as we call it, The Vermont Way.
no reviews yet
Please Login to review.