The Amtrak Vermonter train will allow passengers to bring bikes on board beginning May 1, the company announced Friday.
The train, which stops at Northampton, Holyoke and Greenfield, is launching a carry-on bike service which costs between $10 and $20 depending on the length of the trip. Guests now have the option to reserve a ticket for their bike when booking travel on the Amtrak website.
According to a company statement, guests must arrive 30 minutes before departure to board the train. Participating train cars will be marked with “bike-friendly” stickers and bicycles will go into the luggage compartment. The compartment converts into a bike rack, and riders must remove the front wheel of their bike to fit the space. Large seats, panniers and saddle bags must be removed as well. Amtrak staff will be available to assist with boarding.
Amtrak created an “advisory bicycle task force” to oversee the project in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, the Vermont Department of Tourism and Adventure Cycling Association among other groups, according to a statement.
“We are excited to launch the carry-on service on the Vermonter, the second project for the Amtrak Bicycle Task Force,” said task force member and Adventure Cycling Association Director Virginia Sullivan in a statement. “Locals and visitors will be able to take advantage of the excellent cycling opportunities all along the Vermonter corridor. This service will be a major benefit and will make trips with a bicycle easier.”
In October, the Vermonter train derailed when it hit rocks that had fallen onto the track from a ledge. Seven people were injured, but released from the hospital the following day.
Train service was restored within the week.
The Vermonter train starts in Washington, D.C., and makes stops in Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford, Connecticut, Springfield, Brattleboro and Essex Junction, Vermont, with stops in between. Service to Northampton and Greenfield began in late 2014.