New intercity bus services start in June

Vermonters and visitors will have more affordable travel choices to get around New England and beyond beginning June 9, thanks to the launch of new intercity bus routes operated by Vermont Translines. The new routes, funded by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Federal Transit Administration, include service from Burlington to Albany, N.Y. via Bennington and Rutland, as well as service between Rutland and White River Junction and on to Hanover, N.H., with connections to Greyhound Lines, Inc. A ticket from Burlington to Albany will cost approximately $32, while a ride from Rutland to Hanover will be around $10.

“Public transit is essential to many Vermonters, and a strong system is in the best interests of the state,” said Gov. Peter Shumlin. “It was clear that we needed to expand intercity service in Vermont, which is why we directed the Agency of Transportation to study the issue two years ago. While this service will allow Vermonters to travel farther, the investment will stay right here at home with a local operator.”

Initially, there will be one round trip per route per day. The new service will provide connections to other existing intercity services to New York City, Boston, Montreal, and other major northeast destinations on comfortably appointed coaches.

More information including schedule details and instructions on how and where to purchase tickets is available at www.connectingcommuters.org/bus, or by calling 1-800-685-RIDE.