The Champlain Flyer was conceived as an alternate transportation option during the reconstruction of U.S. Route 7. It benefited from public funds earmarked for public transportation.
The train began operation on December 4, 2000, with two daily round-trips, with plans to operate as many as ten. Startup costs were $18 million ($31.8 million in 2023 adjusted for inflation), most of which were provided by the federal government for improving the tracks and grade crossings along the route. At the time of its inception, it was the shortest commuter rail system in the United States.[1][2]
Initial ridership figures were lower than expected as the highway reconstruction project was delayed. In 2002, it was threatened to be cut from the state budget.[2] The newly elected Gov. Jim Douglas (who succeeded Gov. Howard Dean of Shelburne) decided that the train was not viable, and the last train ran on February 28, 2003, despite all contracts being pre-paid through the end of the year.[3]
Later service
The Vermont Railway has periodically operated an excursion train service from Burlington to Charlotte and back known as the Champlain Valley Flyer.[4]
The service's rolling stock consisted of a rebuilt Vermont RailwayGP38-2 and ten ex-Virginia Railway Express de-motored RDC cars. Two of these cars were outfitted with cab control.[6] Fares were $1 for a one-way trip, collected on the honor system by being deposited in a box upon entering the train.[7]
