Bill > H3777

This bill authorizes the Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation to develop and negotiate interstate compacts with Connecticut, New York, and Vermont to establish and improve commuter rail services in Western Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill aims to create permanent rail routes connecting several key cities and regions, including establishing commuter rail service between New Haven and Brattleboro (with stops in Greenfield, Holyoke, Northampton, and Springfield), creating a rail connection between Worcester and Albany (with stops in Pittsfield, Chester, Springfield, and Palmer), and exploring the extension of the existing New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail Program. The bill also emphasizes the public policy nature of these interstate rail initiatives and commits the participating states to cooperate in ensuring the success of these commuter rail services. The goal is to improve transportation connectivity and accessibility for residents of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties, linking them to major cities like Albany, Boston, Brattleboro, Hartford, and New Haven.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3777