Green Mountain Railroad — Local services in Chester

My bf and I took a scenic train ride out of Chester Depot. The train station was refurbished to look like it did in the 18/1900s and was gorgeous. People buying tickets there went to the old ticket booth, those of us who booked online checked in with a staff member and her phone. We took the 10am train (there was also one at 2) which left promptly at 10...the leaves/streams/mountain views were absolutely beautiful! The conductor gave us narration over the comm the way up and we returned around 1pm. HOWEVER... the Sunday lunch train ride we took was a little different than what I was expecting after buying my tickets online. On the website, it sounds like you have your own table seats and that lunch and cocktails are provided. It sounded like a lunch train we did in Cape Cod (which we loved) so I was excited to try something similar. However on arrival, the tickets were the same generic green for each passenger and we were free to sit wherever we wanted. The cars had open benches towards the front, then tables with 4 chairs, then lounge type seats next to a old dining car bar. You could purchase drinks and food from there. The site even says that if the train is full then couples would sit together, so if you were 2 people who wanted to be alone during the ride you'd need to purchase a 3rd ticket. I didn't elect to do this, but again... at checkout the site asks if you'd like to purchase a 3rd ticket. If seating is open then why would I do that??? Tickets are only $25 a person and the views are great. But if you're purchasing online, just be aware that food and drinks aren't included and...

Was very excited about our planned trips today on the GMR. We paid for two consecutive trips scheduled for 12:30 and 3:30. Got there about 30 minutes ahead of time with prepaid tickets in hand. Mass confusion abounded. No organization was apparent. Tour buses were treated like royalty while we lowly individuals who flew and then drove from a southern state were treated like second class citizens. We were FINALLY allowed to board and were herded to the very last car on the train. After waiting patiently, the whistle finally blew and we were off! We chugged along a heavily forested trail with a rare view of a river or mountain for about an hour and a half. The only contact we had with any staff in the train was when a woman came to our car to yell at a young lady for standing while the train was in motion! Arrived back at the station in such a state of disappointment and frustration that we blew off the pre-paid second trip and left the station to find more interesting things to do. I could not, should not, would not recommend this train company for any reason...

Chester, Vermont. We booked our tickets many weeks ago. We arrived 30 minutes before departure, in line with their instructions for those with more than 4 in your party. We were told we could not board until all the busses came and boarded first. Apparently busses get priority. There were at least 4 busses. The train quickly filled up with the exception of the back train car. We explained we followed their instructions to ensure we could all sit together. The person letting people onboard did not care. Then the last bus came and they got in line in front of us. They got the back cab. Seats are old and not very clean. The tables for parties look nicer, but they are all occupied by bus people. We were trying to find separate seats for our party of 5, and we were competing with staff that were bringing in bag lunches and drinks to the bus folks.

Bottom line: If you are not part of a bus group, you are a second class citizen and have no rights. Next time we will try Massachusetts for a train ride. Thanks Green Mountain Railroad for tarnishing our vacation....