Springfield, MA | Mike Masciadrelli, WWLP
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Governor Baker joined state and local officials to announce two state transportation initiatives at Union Station Tuesday.
Gov. Baker revealed two state-funded initiatives that’ll expand ridership in the Pioneer Valley from North to South and possibility east to west in the future.
Gov. Baker said consultants will study the feasibility of rail service from Springfield to Boston. Baker also said an Amtrak pilot rail service will begin next year to connect riders in Greenfield to New York City.
“Allowing both of these projects to move forward at the same time means we can re-establish Springfield as the crossroads of New England,” said State Senator Eric Lesser. “We need to reclaim that mantle and we will bring thousands and thousands of jobs back in the process.”
MassDOT’s Stephanie Pollack said the pilot rail service will run for two and a half years and expects 24,000 riders each year. This pilot rail service will allow riders in Greenfield to take a train to Union Station in Springfield and then on to New York City, in one day. The state wants to continue expanding rail service throughout the Pioneer Valley.
“What we are looking at here is enhanced transportation to the Pioneer Valley, I think that makes enormous sense for all,” said U.S. Representative, Richard Neal.
Neal told 22News the new Hartford rail line, which will take riders from Springfield to New Haven and Hartford, will bring an additional 2000 riders to Union Station each day.
The Hartford rail line will kick off this Saturday and will be free for riders all weekend long.
