Passenger Rail Service For Pittsfield On Hold

Looks like we are going to be waiting longer for rails service here in the Berkshires, I was really hoping it was going to happen this year. Unresolved legal issues have stranded a planned trial run this summer of passenger rail service between Pittsfield and New York City.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer said Friday it now appears unlikely that officials will be able to resolve those questions in time for the new Berkshire Flyer service to begin in 2020.

Though people are avoiding trains due to the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Sen. Edward Markey wants to give passenger rail a $25 billion booster shot.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that the Massachusetts lawmaker says he will file legislation proposing to invest $5 billion a year for five years to create or restore train service between cities.