Senate Transportation praises station upgrades, clarifies Positive Train Control requirements for commuter rail Committee members praised accessibility upgrades at White River Junction and were told Brattleboro station work should finish this summer. The rail bureau director explained that Vermont's train frequencies generally do not trigger Positive Train Control requirements that apply to commuter services, drawing a distinction between intercity (Amtrak) and commuter‑rail regulatory regimes.

Vermont's station upgrades are paving the way for improved accessibility and potential expansion of passenger services, but what are the regulatory hurdles standing in the way?

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Vermont rail bureau corrects broadband revenue figure; committee presses need to review utility rates last changed in 2004 At a Jan. 7 Senate Transportation hearing, the state's rail bureau director corrected a previously distributed broadband revenue figure and told lawmakers that utility lease rates on rail right-of-way have not been updated since about 2004; land‑lease rates were reviewed in 2024. Lawmakers asked for historical authority and comparisons with private railroads and other states.

Vermont's rail bureau director admits to a significant error in broadband revenue reporting, sparking urgent calls for a review of outdated utility rates last changed in 2004.

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