(Host) The prospect of a new passenger rail service linking Bennington and Manchester to Albany got a warm reception at a public meeting in Mechanicville, New York Tuesday night.
State transportation officials in Vermont and New York have been looking at the possibility for a passenger train connecting the southwestern Vermont towns with Hoosick Falls and Mechanicville in New York.
The towns involved have some freight traffic, but haven’t seen passenger service for decades.
Mechanicville Commissioner of Accounts Mike Seber says his city would welcome the service.
(Seber) "We’re excited about any prospect that would enhance Mechanicville and the train would be one of those."
(Host) The service would create a loop with existing Ethan Allen Service that runs from Albany, Schenectedy and Saratoga Springs to Rutland.
The two-year study, which was funded by the federal stimulus, will be discussed tonight at a meeting in Rutland.