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Regional Transportation Project Gaining Local Support
Mayor Miro Weinberger joining other New England mayors in support of the North Atlantic Rail Alliance's proposal for electric, high-powered trains.
The North Atlantic Rail Alliance is trying to bring high-powered electric trains to New England and parts of New York, hoping that they can secure funding through President Joe Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan.
"We're proposing that all of these services be upgraded, that travel times be significantly reduced and that the whole system be much more convenient," Bob Yaro, the president of the North Atlantic Rail Alliance, said. "This region, the seven states, has about a $3 trillion economy. Fourteen percent of the US economy in a region with 11 percent of the US population."
The project already has support from mayors across New England, including Vermont's biggest city.
Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger sees the economic and environmental benefits. Electric trains would replace the many diesel trains currently in use, which he said would be a more environmentally-friendly alternative. He also believes that the region could use better, more affordable transportation.
"There would be big benefits for Burlington if it were to pass," Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said. "It could be possible here if it became a priority of the federal government."
The North Atlantic Rail Alliance wants to partner with Amtrak on the project. A partnership would mean that Amtrak's already existing routes, The Ethan Allen Express and The Vermonter, would run these electric trains. Yaro said these trips would be quicker than they are now.
Experts in the rail industry across the Green Mountain State also ready to support the idea.
"There's a lot of benefits for Vermont and I would like to see us more a part of this initiative. It makes sense," Christopher Parker with Vermont Rail Action Network said. "The closer we are to the wealth creating centers of the Northeast, the more economic gains spills over to us."