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Vermont Short Line Railroads: A Complete Guide

Published: April 5, 2025

By: Adam Burns

New England Central Railroad (reporting mark, NECR):  The NECR is a prominent regional freight railroad operating in the northeastern United States. Established in 1995, the railroad emerged from the remnants of the historic Central Vermont Railway, serving as a critical transportation link through the region. Spanning approximately 366 miles, the railroad runs from New London, Connecticut, to the Canadian border in Vermont, passing through diverse landscapes and numerous towns and cities.

NECR is essential for moving a variety of freight, including agricultural products, industrial commodities, forest products, and consumer goods. By connecting with major railroads such as the Canadian National Railway and connecting lines in New York and Pennsylvania, NECR facilitates the efficient movement of goods across the northeastern U.S. and into Canada. Its strategic location supports regional economic development by providing reliable and cost-effective transportation solutions.

The railroad is part of the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. portfolio, a multinational corporation with extensive investments in rail operations worldwide. Under this ownership, NECR benefits from advanced infrastructure maintenance practices, strategic investments in technology, and operational efficiencies. With a strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility, the New England Central Railroad continues to play a vital role in the supply chain network of New England and beyond.

New Hampshire Central Railroad (reporting mark, NHCR): This privately owned short line operates two unconnected sections of track in western New Hampshire from Littleton to Groveton and also from North Stratford to Colebrook.  Along with general freight service the company offers car storage, car repair, transload, and locomotive repair services.

St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad (reporting mark, SLR):  This short line is another G&W property, operating a large corridor 157 miles in length between Portland and Norton, Vermont at the Canadian border.  The road handles a wide range of freight including aggregates, brick/cement, chemicals, food/feed products, forest products, intermodal, steel, and scrap.

Vermont Railway (reporting mark, VTR):  The Vermont Railway began service in 1964 to sustain rail service over remaining portions of the bankrupt and liquidated Rutland Railway between Burlington and Bennington as well as between Whitehall and Bellows Falls.  

Today, the system also serves Newport and Palmer, Massachusetts, part of which is via trackage rights.  Finally, it operates a short segment between Montpelier and Graniteville.  The railroad handles a wide variety of freight and also offers passenger excursions.  Today, it operates more than 350 miles of trackage and handles more than 25,000 carloads annually.