Amtrak set for NYC-Berkshires seasonal rail service
The Berkshires of western Massachusetts will be easier to reach for the next two summers with the launch of seasonal Amtrak service from New York City. Berkshire Flyer service will operate on summer weekends Friday afternoon departures from NYC’s Penn Station to Pittsfield and return trips on Sunday afternoon. The service is a collaboration between Amtrak and state governments. The service will be evaluated after the two-year pilot program to determine its longterm feasibility. Tickets will be available starting next month. [apnews.com]
Reading-Philly rail revival receives tri-county boost
Three Pennsylvania counties have voted to authorize the creation of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to oversee and implement the restoration of passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia. The commissioners in Berks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties voted after a series of public hearings to consider the decision. The three counties will equally share responsibility for the authority with each investing $100,000. Passenger service between Philadelphia and Reading ran from the mid-1800s through 1981. [inquirer.com]
Massachusetts east-west rail restoration gets gov nod
Federal and state officials have agreed on a path forward to extend passenger rail service west of Worcester to the cities of Springfield and Pittsfield, an effort designed to finally connect the eastern and western parts of the state by rail. Speaking with reporters after a meeting at Springfield’s Union Station, Gov. Charlie Baker and Congressman Richard Neal described plans for the Legislature to create a new rail authority and an effort to take advantage of recently granted federal infrastructure funds to make the long-sought project a reality. [gazettenet.com]
Alaska RR advances mega Seward rail-cruise port
Alaska Railroad Corp. (ARRC) is pursuing a mega-project to replace its cruise passenger dock and terminal in Seward while also finalizing a multi-year berthing agreement with Royal Caribbean Group. If the Alaska State Legislature greenlights ARRC’s bond funding initiative this session, the new passenger dock can be up and running at the start of the 2024 summer season. The railroad said the deal is not only important to Seward as a cruise passenger favorite, but also to the thousands of businesses statewide that rely on travel and tourism dollars.[seatrade-cruise.com]
Sound Transit unveils first LRT for Tacoma extension
Sound Transit has received the first of the trains that will run on the Hilltop extension of Tacoma’s light rail system. Sound Transit showcased the first of five light rail trains for the extension on Tuesday, which is set to run from St. Joseph’s Hospital to the Tacoma Dome. The state-of-the-art trains can carry up to 100 people and are accessible for those with bikes and wheelchairs. The extension is expected to open by the first quarter of 2023, and agency officials say they are confident they will meet that deadline. [king5.com]
