Amtrak's planned Albany connection could be stepping stone to Springfield's passenger rail goal

New York state is backing Massachusetts' request for Amtrak to add two more trains from Boston through Springfield and on to Albany in what could be a transitional step toward increased east-west passenger rail service.

"We are still not talking commuter service," said Dana Roscoe, principal planner and transportation section manager for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.

Amtrak's service on the line is almost nonexistent, the overnight Lake Shore Limited service passes through Springfield in the late afternoon, in both directions.

"It makes it impossible to make the trip to Boston and back in one day," Roscoe said. "Amtrak envisions a scenario where there is not a lot infrastructure improvements. Just take an additional one train a day and add more."

That means fewer construction projects adding side tracks and switches to improve service. "More trains sounds good to me," he said. .............(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/21278477/ma-amtraks-planned-albany-connection-could-be-stepping-stone-to-springfields-eastwest-passenger-rail-service-goal