Train service back on tap between Vermont and Montreal?

MONTPELIER, Vt. – A former Vermont transportation secretary is coming out of retirement to help plan resumption of passenger train service between the northeastern United States and Montreal.

Brian Searles, who retired as transportation secretary in December, is returning to state service part-time to deal with the U.S. and Canadian governments on plans to restore Amtrak service on the northern end of a route that last operated in 1994.

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U.S. federal budget cuts last year halted service north of St.Albans, Vermont, and a train that had been called the Montrealer was renamed the Vermonter.

Transportation officials say tentative plans are for a joint U.S.-Canadian facility to be built at the Central Station in Montreal – where both north- and southbound passengers will clear customs.

No target date for completion has been given.