A couple dramatic before-and-after shots were just posted on NERAIL, which just prove the "never say never" factor:
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo ... age=9&key=
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo ... age=9&key=
Getting back on topic, I can see Amtrak utilizing Burlington-Union Station again if/when the Ethan Allen Express is ever extended from Rutland to Burlington VT. I say AGAIN because it already hosted Amtrak service, if only for a very brief period, during filming of the Jim Carrey movie "Me Myself and Irene" where it played the part of Providence RI. In reality, there is space in the lower level adjacent to the track and platform for passenger use and during the years Vermont Rail System ran trains out of there, the ticket office was located there.
Throughout Vermont, all heritage stations at existing stops are utilized, except the Windsor-Ascutney (restaurant) and Randolph (gift shop?) stops. Both have low ridership and are basically "flag stops". Plus, the "heritage" building is already in use for another purpose.
I too am waiting for the Springfield-Union Station project to get off the ground. As I've said before, Springfield station is frozen in time, with low level platforms, at-grade crossing in front of idling engines, etc. Seems like the Union Station proposal will make it a true intermodal station and thus should be well patronized. But we'll see!