Posted to the Berkshire Edge on May 22, 2023.
By Lindsey Schmid, Senior VP of Tourism and Marketing
Last summer, after a 51-year hiatus in passenger service from New York City to the Berkshires, Amtrak launched the Berkshire Flyer train service. The train, bringing visitors from Penn Station to Pittsfield, returns this summer for the first full season pilot run. Funding for this pilot project is in place for this year, as well as next, so we look forward again to welcoming visitors from New York City via rail.
The Berkshire Flyer was originally championed by former State Senator Adam Hinds; he worked with other transportation advocates to realize a dedicated train line between New York and Pittsfield. We are happy to say that his efforts were successful, and that the flag for this project continues to be carried by State Senator Paul Mark and State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier.
“The appetite for rail service connecting the Berkshires to New York City, Boston, and beyond is greater right now than it has been in decades. This second expanded season for the Berkshire Flyer will continue to demonstrate that rail service to our beautiful region can be successful and is worth continuing and expanding. I am honored to work alongside so many great partners in state, federal, and local government, and throughout our community to keep this service moving forward as another vital link to showcase what makes the Berkshires such a special place,” states Senator Paul Mark.
Read the full story here.
