Albany, NY (March 8, 2001) - - - Rev. Michael A. Farano, chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority, announced today that Vermont Transit will begin round-trip service to the Albany International Airport beginning Wednesday, March 14.

"By connecting the Airport with popular destinations in Vermont, both Vermont residents and visitors to the state can take advantage of Albany International Airport's lower fares and expanded services," said Rev. Farano.

Vermont Transit will offer two trips to and three trips from the Albany International Airport each day. The fare from Burlington will be $38 one-way and $76 round-trip.

The Vermont Transit service will begin in Burlington and include stops in Middlebury, Brandon, Rutland, Manchester and Bennington. The first bus will leave Burlington at 7:30 a.m. and arrive at Albany International Airport at 11:50 a.m. A second bus will leave Burlington at 11:00 a.m. and arrive at the Airport at 3:40 p.m.

Return service to Burlington, and stops in between, will leave Albany International Airport at 9:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Vermont transit will also enable passengers to make connections to cities in the Schoharie Valley and Southern Tier including Cobleskill, Oneonta and Binghamton.

"An increasing number of our passengers are seeking convenient and economical links to air transportation," said Chris Andreasson, operations manager for Vermont Transit. "We believe we have designed a system of ground transportation that will meet the growing demand."

Scheduling and ticket information can be obtained through Vermont Transit at 1-800 451-3292. Tickets can be purchased at the Albany International Airport Information Desk located on the first level of the terminal.

The addition of Southwest Airlines and a new level of airline competition have resulted in a significant reduction in fares and have attracted new passengers from up to 150 miles away. Adirondack Trailways began providing bus service to the Airport from the Adirondack Region last fall. Greyhound followed with direct service from Montreal, Plattsburgh, Glens Falls and Saratoga.

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