Governor Healey Announces Major Step Toward Permanent Berkshire Flyer Service, Expanded Passenger Rail in Western Massachusetts
Agreement advances infrastructure needed for permanent seasonal Berkshire Flyer service; new federal funding will support modern trains for Compass Rail
PITTSFIELD – Governor Maura Healey’s administration today announced a major step toward permanent seasonal Berkshire Flyer service and expanded passenger rail in Western Massachusetts. An agreement between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and CSX will advance critical rail infrastructure improvements in Pittsfield that will reduce conflicts between passenger and freight trains and support permanent seasonal Berkshire Flyer service.
The administration also announced that new federal funding awarded to Amtrak for additional modern trainsets will support Compass Rail services, including the Berkshire Flyer and the future Inland Route between Boston, Springfield and New Haven.
“People in Western Massachusetts have been clear that they want better rail connections, and we’re delivering,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This agreement puts the Berkshire Flyer on a path toward permanent seasonal service and invests in the infrastructure we need to keep expanding West-East passenger rail service between Boston and Albany. Combined with new federal funding for modern trains, we’re giving people more choices, supporting local businesses and better connecting Western Massachusetts to opportunities across the Northeast.”
“The Berkshire Flyer has already shown what better transportation connections can mean for a region — more visitors, stronger local businesses and another reliable option for residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Now we’re taking the next step by making the infrastructure investments needed to sustain this service for the long term while continuing to move our broader passenger rail vision forward for Western Massachusetts.”
“This is a terrific day for the people of Berkshire County, as we celebrate a permanent future for the Berkshire Flyer,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “Recognizing its potential as a catalyst for regional economic growth, I've been a staunch supporter of this service from the beginning. I'm grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration, MassDOT, NYSDOT, and CSX for their continued efforts to support the operation of the Berkshire Flyer. Under Governor Healey's leadership, the progress that's been made to improve and expand passenger rail service has been extraordinary. With an infusion of more than $150 million in federal funding over the last five years, we've been able to make significant investments in rail infrastructure throughout western and central Massachusetts. Announcements like this remind us that what was once an idea in the making is now becoming reality.”
Since launching in 2022, the Berkshire Flyer has provided seasonal weekend passenger rail service between New York City and Pittsfield, connecting residents and visitors with the Berkshires’ businesses, cultural attractions and recreation opportunities. The 2026 season expanded service with an additional round trip, including new opportunities for Berkshire County residents to travel to New York City.
Under the new agreement with CSX, MassDOT will fund construction of a siding and other track improvements in the Pittsfield area to increase rail capacity and reduce conflicts between passenger and freight operations. MassDOT will also explore the feasibility of a new platform at Pittsfield Station.
MassDOT included $31 million in its FY 2027-2031 Capital Investment Plan to fund this work. Once completed, the improvements will provide the infrastructure needed to support permanent seasonal weekend Berkshire Flyer service and lay additional groundwork for expanded passenger rail in Western Massachusetts.
“Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have made rail a priority and this agreement is what happens when partners come together with a shared vision, said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “The Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to delivering a multimodal transportation system that connects people to jobs, businesses, communities and destinations across the state. By investing in the infrastructure needed to support passenger rail and securing permanent seasonal Berkshire Flyer service, we are giving residents, visitors and the general public more choices while strengthening the Berkshires’ connection to the broader Northeast.”
“This project demonstrates what strong public-private partnership and targeted infrastructure investment can accomplish,” said Andy Daly, Senior Director of Passenger Rail Operations for CSX. “These improvements will support safe, reliable passenger service while preserving the efficient freight operations that support regional businesses, communities, and economic growth.”
“We are experiencing record levels of demand in America for passenger rail, and making Berkshire Flyer a permanent summer service is another example of travelers wanting to take more trains and not have to be stuck driving or in traffic,” said Amtrak Vice President, Planning and State Partnerships Nicole Bucich. “Thanks to the Healy-Driscoll Administration, MassDOT, CSX, and our customers for their support in ensuring Amtrak is the travel mode of choice for summer Berkshire getaways.”
“Our collaboration with CSX is essential to achieving our Compass Rail vision and we’re grateful for their willingness to partner to ensure we can improve the Commonwealth’s rail network,” said MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “MassDOT is making targeted investments in Pittsfield that will expand capacity and improve reliability for both passenger and freight rail. The Rail & Transit Division has worked diligently with our partners at CSX as well as Amtrak to develop a practical path forward that will allow this service to continue while creating opportunities for expanded west- east rail service in the future.”
“Our aggressive approach to pursuing federal resources continues to deliver tangible progress for communities across Western Massachusetts while strengthening our transportation infrastructure for decades to come,” said Quentin Palfrey, Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. “These new trainsets are another important piece of that work, helping us build a more modern, reliable and connected rail network.”
The agreement follows a comprehensive rail operations modeling study completed in July 2024 that examined passenger and freight operations along the Boston and Albany Corridor. That work identified infrastructure improvements in the Pittsfield area that can increase capacity and reduce freight conflicts affecting passenger rail.
The announcement comes as Amtrak has been awarded approximately $2 billion in federal funding through the Federal Railroad Administration’s National Railroad Partnership Program for additional Siemens Airo trainsets.
The new trains will support Amtrak services around the country, including Compass Rail services in Massachusetts. They will be used for the Berkshire Flyer and the planned Inland Route between Boston, Springfield and New Haven, the first phase of West-East Rail. The new Airo trainsets are designed to provide a more modern and accessible passenger experience, with features including more spacious seating, power outlets, 5G Wi-Fi, bike storage, improved accessibility and updated passenger information systems.
“Expanding our Western Massachusetts rail infrastructure strengthens our local economies, connects visitors with our cities and towns, and ensures dependable regional transit," said Senator Brendan Crighton. "Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, MassDOT, CSX, and all of the partners involved in turning these critical infrastructure projects into reality.”
“Making the Berkshire Flyer service permanent is a win for the Berkshires and Western Massachusetts,” said Senator Paul Mark. “Having this reliability will strengthen our connection with New York, further support our tourism and cultural economy, and expand transportation options for residents and visitors. I appreciate the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s continued commitment to investing in rail service for Western Massachusetts and laying the infrastructure foundation for expanded passenger rail and a more connected region.”
“Economic revitalization of our region is top of mind for me, and this investment in permanent seasonal operation of the Berkshire Flyer will fuel our economic health right here in Pittsfield by encouraging tourism and employment,” said Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. “Investments like this don’t happen overnight. This funding comes after years of advocacy, local, state, and federal partnerships and a careful examination of what this corridor needs for reliable, safe, and fast transportation.”
“The Berkshire Flyer is an important asset for the City of Pittsfield that connects our community to New York City through passenger rail service for business needs, recreation opportunities and summer fun,” said Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti. “I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for their investment to make the Berkshire Flyer a permanent fixture as we continue to look for ways to improve our public transportation systems both within and outside the city.”
The Berkshire Flyer improvements and new trainsets are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s broader Compass Rail vision, including West-East Rail, to expand intercity passenger rail within Massachusetts and strengthen connections with neighboring states.
The administration has made significant progress advancing that vision, including:
$108 million in federal funding secured in 2023 for infrastructure improvements supporting future Inland Route service between Boston and New Haven through Springfield, the first phase of West-East service between Boston and Albany;
$36.8 million secured in 2024 for the Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration Project to design track, signal and infrastructure improvements at Springfield Union Station;
$3.5 million secured for the Boston-Albany Corridor Service Development Plan, an important step toward expanding passenger rail between Boston, Springfield, Pittsfield and Albany; and
Continued state investments in rail infrastructure, including the $31 million Pittsfield Track Capacity Project and planning and design for a future Palmer station.
Existing MassDOT-supported Compass Rail services operated by Amtrak include the Vermonter, Valley Flyer, Hartford Line and Berkshire Flyer. Future Compass Rail service includes the Inland Route between Boston and New Haven through Springfield and expanded service along the Boston-Albany Corridor through Pittsfield.
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