Proposed Commuter Rail Project of AllEarth Rail - Passing through Essex Junction

Early in 2017, David Blittersdorf closed on a deal to purchase 12 self-propelled "Budd Cars" from a Texas-based transit system.  With this hardware and with the help of newly hired Charlie Moore, AllEarth Rail hopes to launch a commuter rail option that will extend from St. Albans to Montpelier, passing through Essex Junction.  

For more details, read this up-to-date (August 2) Seven Days story about the project and the principals. 

Mission of AllEarth Rail

AllEarth Rail’s mission is to acquire and operate commuter and regional passenger railroad assets that will enable it to work with existing public and private transportation services to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective passenger service between Vermont's cities and towns, resorts, hospitals, colleges and universities.

Increasing frequency will provide new options for commuters, while expanding the routes of Vermont's two Amtrak trains, the Ethan Allen and the Vermonter, will give travelers options for many new adventures.

Vermont’s small scale fosters opportunities for individuals and businesses to create a meaningful impact by creating or adapting solutions to work in a small, rural state with limited resources.

Faced with the challenge of balancing Vermont’s goal of significantly reducing the carbon emissions associated with vehicle miles traveled with an unrealistic and unaffordable estimate of $300+ million to expand passenger rail service using traditional, long-haul locomotive engines and reliance on public funding, AllEarth Rail chose to invest in a fleet of the classic, self-propelled, Budd stainless steel railcars designed for rural passenger rail service.

The Budd rail cars offer flexibility, low operating costs, and reliability for the short-haul passenger rail service so needed in Vermont.