Connecticut is currently building a $300 million commuter rail system that will run from Enfield to New Haven, linking Northern CT with the metropolitan NYC area. Massachusetts only needs to invest $30 million for Springfield to become a stop on this vital rail link. The ticket cost will be $9.50 from Springfield to New Haven.
If MA doesn't choose to get involved with this project, the trains will still come to Springfield but only to reverse direction, taking millions of dollars of potential investment with them.
Our goal is to ensure the $30M funding from MA makes it into next year's budget.
Why support the Springfield to New Haven Commuter Rail?
It's green -- trains are cleaner than cars and commuter rail would remove thousands of cars from I-91, I-84, and I-95.
Economic Development for Western Mass -- the $30 million investment (less than the cost of the Coolidge Bridge in Northampton) will bring at least $152 million in economic development to Springfield and the region.
Doing nothing means a loss of revenue -- if MA doesn't get involved, we lose construction jobs, associated retail, and a real plan to revitalize downtown Springfield and bring more middle-class residents to the region.