Vermont Agency of Transportation

This strategic plan outlines the mission to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. It is structured around four key goals: sustaining a skilled workforce, supporting Vermont's economy through a safe, reliable, sustainable, and efficient transportation system, providing affordable and accessible transportation options, and improving agency efficiency through innovation and continuous improvement. The plan aims to achieve these by developing a workforce strategy, enhancing transportation infrastructure and safety, increasing public transit ridership and affordability, and implementing an AI strategy and data governance.

This document outlines strategic goals focused on the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. Key objectives include sustaining a skilled workforce through strategic planning and recruitment, supporting Vermont's economy by maintaining a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation system, providing affordable and accessible transportation options, and improving agency efficiency through innovation, data governance, and enhanced communication.

The meeting commenced with introductions and confirmation of a quorum. Key discussions included an update on the AOT Airport Policy Modernization Project, detailing survey responses and common themes such as hangar availability, lease structures, and facility conditions, with finalized standards expected by May 2026. The council also reviewed the Vermont State University Pilot Program Summary and Safety Management Systems at Vermont Airports. Construction updates covered the completion of the Bennington apron project and the Coventry terminal building replacement, with an outlook on next season's taxiway extension and runway safety improvements at Morrisville airport. Discussions also covered the installation of new weather cameras and ongoing pavement maintenance. Administrative updates included personnel changes within Aviation. Public input raised concerns regarding fence holes, hangar roof damage, and unauthorized parking by campers on airport property.

The meeting focused primarily on the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) rail budget proposed by the Governor, which remains subject to legislative approval. Key discussion points included year-over-year reductions in bridge, crossing, and FEMA projects, as well as the competitive nature of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding. The Council reviewed the line-by-line budget covering Amtrak operations (Ethan Allen and Vermonter), station upgrades, bridge and crossing projects across various municipalities, and corridor/capacity projects aimed at achieving 286,000-lb freight capacity. The Tri-State Regional Rail Upgrade administration was clarified. Updates were provided on recent federal grant applications, specifically a BUILD Grant for Bridge 145 and a planned reapplication for the CWR Grant for the Rutland to Hoosick line. Ridership reports for both the Ethan Allen Express and Vermonter services were presented, noting specific increases or decreases in passenger counts and overall On-Time Performance (OTP). Freight and construction updates included progress on Corridor ID projects to potentially add service to the Vermonter route and develop service for the Green Mountain Corridor. Operation Lifesaver provided an update on safety outreach efforts, including social media engagement and presentations to driver education classes. Public input touched upon the need for federal discretionary grants, appreciation for safety improvements like crossing gates, updates on the Brattleboro Station Project, and challenges related to last-mile transportation and parking near stations.

The meeting included a review of ridership and revenue reports, covering multiple fiscal years (FY23 through FY26). A disclaimer noted a data migration issue affecting November and December 2024 figures. For the Ethan Allen Express, ridership and revenue generally increased between October and January compared to the previous fiscal year, though On-Time Performance (OTP) decreased to 74% in FY26 year-to-date compared to 80% in FY25. For the Vermonter route, ridership slightly decreased year-to-date in FY26 compared to FY25, but revenue increased, with positive growth noted for several top city pairs to Penn Station. OTP remained steady at 74% for both FY25 and FY26 year-to-date. The final segment covered Operation Lifesaver activities, focusing on rail safety presentations at driver education classes, successful social media engagement (Instagram reel with over 71,000 views), and ongoing volunteer efforts at stations and community events.