posted
There was an announcement in Trains.com a couple months ago that more federal funding had been provided to continue upgrading the line to Springfield with double track and higher speeds:
"The state’s long-term plan for the New Haven-Springfield line calls for operating up to 25 daily round trips, with speeds boosted from 79 mph to 90 mph."
About the same time, an announcement was made that CSX was selling the eastern part of the B&A line to the state:
"The state of Massachusetts is preparing to acquire 90 miles of track from CSX next month to expand commuter service. The acquisition includes 45 miles of track between Worcester and Boston..."
That leaves only a 50 mile gap between Worcester and Springfield that is controlled by a freight railroad. Today that has only the Boston section of the LSL on it. The short segment used by the Vermonter will soon move to a less circuitous route.
In early Amtrak days I seem to recall fairly regular service on an inland route from NY to Boston via Springfield. Given these changes, does it make sense for Amtrak to consider restoring through service on this route? Perhaps with a suburban Boston stop for Thruway service to North station for the Downeaster.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Massive $$$ nhas been invested to electrify the East End; why divert any traffic away from the line?
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
The intent would not be to divert traffic, but actually increase it, GBN. Admittedly not something Amtrak often does given their financial/equipment constraints.
Massive $$$ are also being spent to upgrade the line to serve Hartford/Springfield - population in excess of 800k (and western Mass. as well). Why not go for those wanting to travel from Boston (4.5M pop) to those same cities? No new stations required and equipment that would now terminate (and has to be serviced) at Springfield could then continue the 90 miles over to Boston.
If that also attracted new through passengers, great. That would likely be those now in Boston's northern or western suburbs served by the MBTA that want to avoid downtown Boston and could then connect to the NEC at Framingham or Worcester.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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