While it is an Amtrak train, the state of Vermont does subsidize a portion of its operating costs. This happens frequently with regional Amtrak lines--the Cascade trains are subsidized by Oregon and Washington, and the various California lines (Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins, and Pacific Surfliner) by the state of California. Vermont subsidized the baggage car that allowed for unboxed bikes, but then cut funding for that in 2002. So now there's no way to bring a full-sized bike on that route.