Commission holds first meeting on train service between Boston and the Berkshires

A committee centered on prepare service between western Massachusetts and Boston held a listening to in Pittsfield Friday.

It was the primary of six deliberate public conferences by the Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Fee.

One among their duties is to advocate an entity that may oversee the service.

It is also following up on findings from the East-West Passenger Rail Research Advisory Committee, which met just a few years in the past.

The fee took public testimony.

Michael Leary, with Berkshire Well being Programs, stated new rail service wouldn’t simply assist sufferers get to Boston when they should however assist with recruiting docs as nicely.

“Quite a lot of suppliers wish to have ease of entry to New York, to Boston, to Springfield, to Albany,” he stated. “This could enormously assist our recruitment efforts.”

Pittsfield resident Alisa Costa careworn the significance of the fee listening to from various viewpoints.

“Bringing in folks particularly who’re disabled, who’re older, who cannot drive, who’re struggling economically, gives you higher knowledge in making your plan,” she stated.

The fee’s remaining report is as a result of state subsequent spring.