New Brattleboro station becomes Vermont’s first fully accessible level boarding passenger rail facility

Amtrak has officially opened the new Brattleboro Station in Vermont, delivering the state’s first full-length level boarding platform and significantly improving accessibility for rail passengers.

The station was completed in partnership with the Town of Brattleboro, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and New England Central Railroad (NECR). The project represents a federal investment of $10 million and forms part of Amtrak’s wider programme to modernise stations across the United States.

Designed to improve accessibility and the overall passenger experience, the new station features accessible indoor and outdoor waiting areas, upgraded parking facilities and a fully modernised station building.

Vermont’s first level boarding platform opens

At the heart of the project is Vermont’s first full-length level boarding platform. The 345-foot platform sits 48 inches above the rail, allowing passengers to board trains without using steps.

The design is expected to benefit passengers with reduced mobility, travellers carrying heavy luggage and families using pushchairs by providing a safer and more convenient boarding experience.

The station also includes two ramps, two stairways linking the parking area to the platform, a new accessible restroom, covered outdoor waiting areas with seating, upgraded lighting, safety railings, warning surfaces, signage and an electric snow-melting system to improve year-round accessibility.

An additional feature of the redevelopment is the Brattleboro Words Trail, a permanent public art installation created by local artist Cynthia Houghton. The display celebrates literary figures connected with the region, including Rudyard Kipling, Robert Frost and Lucy Terry Prince.

Dr David Handera, Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility, Stations and Facilities and Chief Accessibility Officer, said: “When we first began construction two years ago, we promised a better, more accessible, and more inviting station for Amtrak travelers – and we are proud to deliver on that promise today.”

He added: “This is what modern passenger rail looks like and what Vermont residents and visitors deserve.”

Part of nationwide accessibility programme

The Brattleboro project supports Amtrak’s long-term goal of making all stations across its network fully accessible.

During the 2025 fiscal year, 19 stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, while a further 50 stations are expected to be completed during 2026 through investments totalling approximately $311 million.

Overall, the Amtrak ADA Stations Program is advancing designs for 134 stations and delivering construction work at more than 100 locations, with the objective of achieving full accessibility across the network by 2029.

The new station has also received strong political support.

Senator Bernie Sanders said: “With the first level-boarding platform in our state and new accessible waiting areas, every traveller can now board a train in Brattleboro with dignity and ease.”

The investment is expected to improve rail travel for residents and visitors while providing a model for future station accessibility projects across the United States.