Report of the Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission
Major East-West Rail Projects: Palmer and Pittsfield
We strongly second the Commission endorsement of MassDOT as an “experienced project manager, evidenced by the agency’s most recent 5-year plan, including $350 million in rail projects and two major projects directly related to East-West Rail.” (p. 19)
Central Corridor Passenger Rail Feasibility Study
We are disappointed that the Commission ignored MassDOT’s Central Corridor Passenger Rail Feasibility Study, published in June 2017.
As the “lead agency overseeing and managing the development and build-out of intercity passenger rail service in the commonwealth,” (Report of the Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission, page 21) MassDOT should not forget that UMass Amherst is located in the Town of Amherst on the Central Corridor, and could be connected to East-West Rail at Palmer by shuttle service running on the already-upgraded tracks of the New England Central Railroad (NECR).
In addition, MassDOT and CTDOT should work together to extend this shuttle service across the border to another important Central Corridor stop at UConn/Storrs.
For recent letters and resolutions expressing local support for restored train service to Amherst, plus a brief summary of the greater potential for passenger rail along the entire Central Corridor, please see our A2B Campaign.
