Northern Tier Passenger-rail Study Launches
On Thursday, Dec. 16, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will convene stakeholders and launch a study to examine the benefits, costs, and investments necessary to restart passenger rail service from North Adams to Greenfield and Boston, with the speed, frequency, and reliability necessary to be a competitive option for travel along this corridor. This study was required by legislation, passed in 2019, filed by state Sen. Jo Comerford and supported by state Sen. Adam Hinds and state Reps. Natalie Blais and Mindy Domb. More than 700 Western Mass. residents submitted testimony on behalf of the enabling legislation when it was heard by the Joint Committee on Transportation. The study launch meeting Dec. 16, which begins at 1:30 p.m., is open to the public. Register at www.mass.gov/northern-tier-passenger-rail-study.