（Boston Orange編譯）麻州政府斥資 3,100 萬美元動工升級皮茨菲爾德（Pittsfield）周邊鐵路設施，在里奇蒙（Richmond）增鋪一條供列車避讓與會車的側軌（passing track），並翻修車廠設備，徹底解決美鐵客運與 CSX 貨運列車長年在單線軌道互卡、互相等對方通過的誤點痛點。
這項工程完工後，往返紐約與麻州西部的「柏克夏快車」（Berkshire Flyer）將正式結束試辦期，轉為往後每年夏季旅遊旺季固定開行的週末班次。這條路線自 2022 年開通以來深具人氣，2026 年更已加開班次，如今硬體瓶頸打通，服務也能長期延續。
這項工程也是麻州「指南針鐵路」（Compass Rail）與東西鐵路（West-East Rail）的關鍵一環。州府近年已爭取多筆聯邦資金，包含 1.08 億美元改善伍斯特（Worcester）至春田（Springfield）軌道，以期 2030 年啟動每日往返內陸線（Inland Route）班車，以及累計逾 1.6 億美元的春田軌道重組案的工程與設計補助。美鐵（Amtrak）獲聯邦約 20 億美元採購的西門子 Airo 列車組（Siemens Airo trainsets），未來亦將全面投入該走廊營運。
Highlights
• MassDOT began $31 million track upgrades in Pittsfield to resolve passenger-freight congestion.
• The Richmond passing track project secures permanent operations for the seasonal Berkshire Flyer.
• Improvements lay critical groundwork for Massachusetts' West-East Rail and Compass Rail corridors.
• Amtrak secured $2 billion in federal funds for modern Siemens Airo trainsets.
• MassDOT began $31 million track upgrades in Pittsfield to resolve passenger-freight congestion.
• The Richmond passing track project secures permanent operations for the seasonal Berkshire Flyer.
• Improvements lay critical groundwork for Massachusetts' West-East Rail and Compass Rail corridors.
• Amtrak secured $2 billion in federal funds for modern Siemens Airo trainsets.
Healey-Driscoll Administration Breaks Ground on Rail Improvements to Support Permanent Berkshire Flyer Service
Investments will improve rail reliability, strengthen connections to the Berkshires and advance West-East Rail
PITTSFIELD – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today celebrated the groundbreaking of rail infrastructure improvements in Pittsfield that will support permanent seasonal Berkshire Flyer service, improve reliability for passenger and freight trains, and lay the groundwork for expanded passenger rail in Western Massachusetts.
The project builds on an agreement announced earlier this month between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and CSX to advance critical track improvements in the Pittsfield area. The work will increase rail capacity, reduce conflicts between passenger and freight trains, and support the long-term future of the Berkshire Flyer, which provides seasonal weekend passenger rail service between New York City and Pittsfield via Albany
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger, Deputy Rail Administrator Andy Koziol, Congressman Richard Neal and local leaders to celebrate the start of construction.
"People in Western Massachusetts deserve better rail connections, and we're making real progress to deliver them," said Governor Maura Healey. "The Berkshire Flyer is bringing more visitors to the region, supporting local businesses and giving residents more ways to travel. Now, we're investing in the infrastructure needed to make this service a permanent seasonal option and move our broader West-East Rail plans forward. We're going to keep building on this progress to better connect communities and grow our economy across Massachusetts."
"The Berkshires are home to incredible businesses, cultural attractions and outdoor destinations, and better rail service helps connect more people to everything this region has to offer," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Today's groundbreaking is an important step toward making the Berkshire Flyer a permanent seasonal service, strengthening tourism and creating more opportunities for local businesses. We're proud to partner with CSX, Amtrak, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), and our local leaders to make these improvements a reality and continue expanding transportation options for Western Massachusetts.
""Having been a staunch supporter of the Berkshire Flyer from its inception, I'm delighted to join Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Secretary Eng in celebrating the permanent future of the Berkshire Flyer. From the arts to the culinary scene and the great outdoors, the Berkshires have something for everyone. This service will continue to serve as an economic catalyst, bringing thousands of visitors to the region and supporting the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economies," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "Just weeks after announcing another $130 million to benefit West-East Rail, I'm pleased to celebrate yet another milestone as we continue our efforts to improve and expand passenger rail service. This work will not only benefit the Berkshire Flyer, but prepare Pittsfield for enhanced passenger rail service with West-East Rail, reaffirming our commitment to deliver enhanced connectivity from Pittsfield to Springfield to Boston."
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to building a transportation network that connects people to opportunity, strengthens our regional economies, and improves quality of life across Massachusetts. Today’s groundbreaking in Pittsfield represents an important step forward in that commitment. The Berkshire Flyer service is about expanding access to jobs, supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities for economic growth throughout the region. We thank to our local, state and federal partners for their collaboration and support to advancing passenger rail and delivering transportation investments that make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng.
“Today’s event to mark the start of investments to enable permanent Berkshire Flyer service to western Massachusetts is a major milestone for Compass Rail, our plan for expanding the Commonwealth’s passenger rail network,” said MassDOT’s Rail & Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger, “Realizing our Compass Rail vision is a team effort and we appreciate our partnership with CSX. Our collaboration over the last several years is resulting in major investments in the passenger and freight rail network and is a true model for what a public-private partnerships can accomplish.”
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 recreational destinations. The 2026 season included an additional round trip, expanding travel options for Berkshire County residents and visitors.
The new rail improvements will include construction of a passing track in Richmond, near the Pittsfield border, and track upgrades at CSX's Pittsfield Yard. These improvements will allow passenger and freight trains to operate more efficiently along the corridor, reduce delays and increase capacity for future passenger rail service.
MassDOT has included $31 million in its Fiscal Year 2027–2031 Capital Investment Plan for the Pittsfield Track Capacity Project. The department is also studying the feasibility of adding a second passenger platform at Pittsfield Station to further improve rail operations and accessibility.
Once completed, these investments will provide the infrastructure needed to sustain permanent seasonal weekend Berkshire Flyer service while supporting future passenger rail expansion in Western Massachusetts.
“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.”
Advancing Passenger Rail Across Massachusetts
Today's groundbreaking is part of Governor Healey’s broader vision to expand passenger rail service, strengthen connections between Western and Eastern Massachusetts, and provide more transportation options for residents and visitors. Branded as Compass Rail to include the existing MassDOT-funded Amtrak services north-south on the Knowledge Corridor and west-east between Boston and Albany, centered in Springfield, today’s celebration continues the momentum generated over the course of the Healey-Driscoll Administration.
Since taking office, the Administration has secured $108 million in federal funding for track improvements between Worcester and Springfield to support future Inland Route service connecting Boston, Springfield and New Haven. The Inland Route will begin two daily Amtrak roundtrips beginning in 2030. Last week, the administration announced a $130 million dollar Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) award for construction of a key phase of the Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration Project. Earlier, the administration secured FRA grants for earlier phases of the project, including $36.8 million for Final Design. Separately, the Administration was also awarded $3.5 million to advance planning for passenger rail between Boston and Albany.
The administration is also supporting efforts to modernize passenger rail service through new federal investments in Amtrak's fleet. 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 are expected to 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 Airo trainsets are designed to provide a more modern and accessible passenger experience, with spacious seating, power outlets, 5G Wi-Fi, bike storage, improved accessibility and updated passenger information systems.
“The improvements coming to Pittsfield Station show the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to enhancing rail and ensuring it is the best way to get to the Berkshires over the summer,” said Amtrak Vice President, Planning and State Partnerships Nicole Bucich. “We’re delighted to break ground today and can’t wait for the ribbon cutting when the work is complete and our customers can begin enjoying the benefits from these improvements.”
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is making historic progress toward better passenger rail connections across Massachusetts, and today’s groundbreaking is another important milestone,” said Quentin Palfrey, Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. “By combining strategic state investments, strong partnerships, and federal funding, we’re laying the groundwork for more reliable service, stronger regional economies, and expanded rail options for communities across Western Massachusetts. The Berkshire Flyer is an important part of that broader vision.”
Together with the Pittsfield improvements and new trainsets, these investments will help create a more connected and reliable passenger rail network, support regional economic development and expand transportation options across Massachusetts.
“I applaud the Healey-Driscoll administration for its significant transportation investments across the Commonwealth, particularly in Pittsfield,” said Mayor Peter Marchetti. “The Berkshire Flyer is a vital asset that connects our community to New York City by passenger rail, supporting both business and recreation opportunities. As we work to strengthen public transportation throughout Berkshire County, these rail improvements will offer another valuable option for residents and visitors.”
“I am excited to see shovels in the ground on this important investment in the future of passenger rail in Western Massachusetts,” said Senator Paul Mark. “Improving rail connections to the Berkshires will open the door to new economic opportunities, strengthen local businesses, and make our region more accessible to residents and visitors alike. This is another important step toward a more connected Western Massachusetts and the long-term economic growth our communities deserve.”
“Improving rail infrastructure improves the economic health of a region. This groundbreaking today begins the work to resolve rail traffic and expand Berkshire flyer service which will create more opportunities for jobs and tourism that will bring people to our wonderful city,” said Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. “The strong collaboration and partnership with the Administration, MassDOT, CSX, and the City of Pittsfield builds upon years of planning and advocacy for improved rail service in the Berkshire. Expanding rail service is a culmination of many projects over years, and this is yet another achievement towards West-East Rail.”
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