If you live in the Massachusetts commonwealth the MBTA commuter rail is the go to for alternative transportation in and out of Boston. In the not so distant future, residences in Central Massachusetts will have further rail connectivity to Boston and beyond thanks to the upcoming Compass Rail initiative. What exactly is compass rail and how will it help transportation in the commonwealth? Here are a few answers to that lingering question.
East West Rail
Currently the MBTA Worcester line extends only as far as Worcester. If wishing to travel west of Worcester, the only other rail option is the once daily Amtrak Lakeshore Limited to Chicago. With the Compass rail proposals, Amtrak and Massachusetts are proposing a Boston to Albany service with intermediate stops in Worcester, Springfield, Pittsfield and Albany. Connections to other Amtrak and commuter rail lines would be able to be made in Springfield (CT Rail Hartford Line, Amtrak Shuttle, Amtrak Valley Flier) and in Albany (Amtrak Maple Leaf and Empire Service). In order to make this possible, over $108 million has been allocated federally with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts providing an additional $27 million in state funding.
Inland Route
In addition to east west rail connectivity, another rail route is being proposed. Amtrak “Inland Route” service will connect New Haven Connecticut to Boston. Currently New Haven to Boston is accomplished via the Northeast Corridor on Acela and Northeast Regional branded trains. The new Inland Route will operate two daily Amtrak trains between Boston and New haven with an intermediate stop in Springfield. Connections can be made in New Haven onwards to Manhattan via Metro North and Amtrak while connections can be made to the entire Northeast Corridor via Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela.
Progress On Compass Rail
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll and Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt are in strong favor of compass rail. On 02/06.24 Governor Healey appointed Andy Koziol Director of West-East Rail. “West-East Rail will significantly increase connectivity between our communities, improving quality of life across our state and further fueling economic growth in a way that helps curb emissions from transportation,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Andy has the knowhow and dedication to properly execute this effort, and we look forward to working with our partners across Massachusetts to enhance passenger rail service.” Currently, the initial design phase is estimated to commence in Summer 2024 with construction of additional trackage ad right of ways slated to begin in Spring 2027. These developments will further enhance rail travel and connectivity throughout the commonwealth.