Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission

Eric Carle Museum, Amherst, MA

Press Release

CONTACT: Dana Roscoe, Principal Planner, Transportation Manager, (413) 781-6045

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2009

Public Meetings Planned for Knowledge Corridor Rail Study

The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission has scheduled two public meetings to provide updates on an ongoing study to improve passenger rail service along the I-91/Connecticut River corridor between Springfield and points north.

The public is invited to learn more about the Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Study Tuesday, May 19 at the TD Banknorth Conference Center, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, and Wednesday, May 20 at the Northampton Clarion Hotel, 1 Atwood Drive, Northampton. Both meetings will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Study is studying the feasibility of moving Amtrak’s existing Vermonter service between Springfield and East Northfield to the Connecticut River Line. While this would end direct service to the Amherst station, the new alignment will speed the trip to and from Vermont and serve the cities of Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield, as well as the surrounding area. The study is also exploring the feasibility of future commuter rail service on this corridor.

For more information, contact Dana Roscoe, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, at (413) 781-6045 or droscoe@pvpc.org. Visit the project website at www.pvpc.org/corridor.