(The Associated Press circulated the following on December 6.)
MONTPELIER, Vt. — The economic crisis is forcing the state of Vermont to consider cutting back or eliminating the state’s two Amtrak passenger train routes.
The state pays almost $5 million a year to subsidize the routes.
Ridership is increasing on the Amtrak Vermonter, which runs between St. Albans and Washington, and the Ethan Allen Express, which travels between New York City and Rutland.
Transportation Agency spokesman John Zicconi says that as the state’s budget shortfall grows, officials are looking at any ways possible to save money.
Options being considered include eliminating one of the trains or reducing the length of a route.
Zicconi says no changes will be made to the Amtrak service without legislative approval.