A new deal between Massachusetts transportation officials and CSX could put the Berkshire Flyer on track to become an ongoing seasonal rail option between New York City and Berkshire County.
State leaders say the Pittsfield work in that agreement would also support broader efforts to expand east-west passenger rail.
Here's what to know
In Pittsfield, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation would pay for a new siding and other track changes intended to create more rail capacity and reduce interference between freight and passenger trains, iBerkshires.com reported. The agency is also evaluating whether to add a platform at the Joseph Scelsi Intermodal Transportation Center.
Once finished, officials said the project will give the Berkshire Flyer what it needs to run as a permanent seasonal service on weekends. MassDOT has set aside $31 million in its FY 2027-2031 Capital Investment Plan for the project, iBerkshires.com reported.
Modeled on the seasonal Cape Cod Flyer, it was launched to boost tourism, and this year's season added another round trip, giving Berkshire County residents new options for trips to New York City. The Berkshire Flyer began operating in 2022, restoring a direct Berkshires-to-New York City link not seen in about 50 years.
Gov. Maura Healey said: "People in Western Massachusetts have been clear that they want better rail connections, and we're delivering. 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 [New York]."
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More background
According to the Healey administration, the deal followed a rail operations modeling study completed in July 2024 that looked at passenger and freight movement along the Boston/ Albany corridor, per iBerkshires.com. Its findings highlighted Pittsfield-area upgrades as a way to add capacity and cut freight-related conflicts for passenger trains.
State officials are weighing two passenger rail alignments, one through Pittsfield and another on the Northern Tier through North Adams and the Hoosac Tunnel, according to the administration and iBerkshires.com.
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal said federal rail funding for Western and Central Massachusetts has topped $150 million.
Amtrak Vice President for Planning and State Partnerships Nicole Bucich said Amtrak is experiencing "record levels of demand" for passenger rail and that making the 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."
What's being done?
The Healey administration also announced that Amtrak received about $2 billion from the Federal Railroad Administration's National Railroad Partnership Program for additional Siemens Airo trainsets. In Massachusetts, those trainsets are expected to back Compass Rail service, including the Berkshire Flyer and the proposed Inland Route linking Boston, Springfield, and New Haven, Connecticut.
They debuted on the Cascades Route between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Eugene, Oregon. iBerkshires.com reported that the Airo trainsets are meant to provide a more modern, accessible ride, with roomier seats, power outlets, 5G Wi-Fi, bike storage, accessibility upgrades, and refreshed passenger information systems.
The administration also cited several other rail investments tied to its west-east vision: $108 million in federal funding obtained in 2023 for infrastructure work to support future Inland Route service between Boston and New Haven via Springfield, $36.8 million obtained in 2024 for the Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration Project, and $3.5 million obtained for the Boston-Albany Corridor Service Development Plan.
The administration said planning and design work is also continuing for a future station in Palmer. CSX senior director of passenger rail operations Andy Daly said: "This project demonstrates what strong public-private partnership and targeted infrastructure investment can accomplish. These improvements will support safe, reliable passenger service while preserving the efficient freight operations that support regional businesses, communities, and economic growth."
"Making the Berkshire Flyer service permanent is a win for the Berkshires and Western Massachusetts," state Sen. Paul Mark said. "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."
Where can I learn more?
For more on how Amtrak and other systems are expanding passenger rail and updating their fleets:
• Amtrak travelers in Boston saw ticket prices soar over Thanksgiving, underscoring persistent demand pressures.
• Amtrak said its new-age U.S. high-speed rail debut will reshape Northeast Corridor travel.
• In Florida, Brightline's higher-speed rail offers a glimpse of easier intercity trips in the South.
• Across the country, high-speed rail projects show how broader passenger ambitions are advancing.
• In California, Caltrain launched an electric train service with upgraded comfort and convenience.
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