Essex Junction Pushes Ahead with Train Station Upgrades
One resident compared it to New York's Port Authority: "If all you knew of Manhattan was Port Authority, you'd never step foot in that city again. And I think that that happens with Essex Junction."
Essex Junction residents and leaders are rallying behind plans to revamp the town's Amtrak train and bus station, seeing it as a chance to fix a rundown spot that they say gives outsiders the wrong idea about their community. The City Council voted unanimously on July 23, 2025, to seek federal funding for the project, highlighting hopes for a brighter, more welcoming hub. While most agree it's overdue, some wonder if public money should go toward improving a privately owned building.
A Tired Gateway Needing Change
The station, built in 1958 and owned by freight company New England Central Railroad, has long been called an eyesore. According to a May 2022 VTDigger article, it suffers from "deteriorating walls, signs and structures," prompting a $3 million federal earmark to address these issues at what was then Vermont's busiest Amtrak station. Recent data shared at the council meeting shows 17,817 Amtrak riders in fiscal year 2025, plus heavy bus use as a terminus for Green Mountain Transit's busy Route 2. But with just 12 seats for about 48 daily passengers, overflow often means stacking plastic chairs, especially in bad weather.
Frustrations from the Community
Locals feel the station's shabby look hurts the town's image and drives people away. One resident at the meeting compared it to New York City's grimy Port Authority: "If all you knew of Manhattan was Port Authority, you'd never step foot in that city again. And I think that that happens with Essex Junction." This captures the embarrassment and pride many express, arguing the station hides the town's charm. Councilor Elaine Haney, involved since 2012, added emotional weight: "If you take a train somewhere and you get off at a really seedy train station that's just disgusting looking like ours is, frankly, you're not gonna take that train again." According to a July 2021 WCAX report, the push for upgrades began years ago to modernize the station and boost ridership.
The Plan to Make It Better
The proposed fixes include a simple canopy shelter shaped like a donut around the building for rain protection, better paths for walkers and bikers, and tweaks to traffic flow. City staffer Chris Dubin explained it draws from a 2016 study by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, which aimed to upgrade the station and nearby areas. Costs total $3.75 million, with $3 million from the federal grant, $200,000 from a state Downtown Transportation Fund award in February 2025, and $550,000 from the city. According to a September 2024 RFQ document from the City of Essex Junction, design and planning for this project is ongoing.
Strong Backing for Growth
Supporters see big wins for the economy and daily life. Haney noted past efforts to lure Amtrak's Montrealer route back, saying a nicer station could draw more visitors and rival Burlington's, which now sees 25,000 riders yearly. Councilor Tim Miller called the area "awful" but stressed benefits for locals: "The people that live around it are our people." According to a July 13, 2025, Vermont Business Magazine article, extending rail to Essex Junction could add service without overlapping Burlington, aiding regional travel. A March 2025 Vermont Rail Plan update also pushes for passenger rail station improvements statewide, prioritizing stations with increasing use.
Some Doubts on Costs and Ownership
Not everyone is fully on board without questions. Councilor Marcus Estati voiced concern over using taxpayer dollars for a private property: "Why are we doing this railroad a favor? It's their building. We're covering it up at our expense." He wondered if the $550,000 could fund other town projects instead. Delays from railroad sales and rising costs have already slimmed plans, like dropping an indoor waiting area. According to a July 2021 Vermontbiz report, early calls for enhancements focused on expanding for passengers, but ownership issues slowed progress.
Next Steps Ahead
Despite concerns, the vote shows wide agreement that fixes are worth it. Staff will now chase final federal approval, with hopes of starting work soon. According to an Amtrak fiscal year 2023 fact sheet, related ADA upgrades wrapped up in 2025, paving the way for more changes. As one September 2025 Rotary Club event on the "Connect the Junction" plan suggests, broader transit talks could tie in, building excitement for a refreshed station that matches the town's spirit.