In my opinion, I don't think regular or semi-regular passenger service along the route would be completely utilized. Having grown up and lived in the area, and graduated from Housatonic (right next to the tracks), I think I can safely say that the towns along most of the route aren't exactly major population centers nor tourist spots capable of keeping weekenders entertained for an entire weekend.
Keep in mind that all of this are just thoughts on my part, and in no way meant to offend anyone or express some wild railfan fantasies.
I think if Amtrak were to start semi-regular service to Pittsfield, then maybe running a Budd car shuttle to Stockbridge and Barrington could be an option. Barrington has a nice main street with boutique shops, hotels, etc., and is easy to get around. Stockbridge has the Red Lion Inn, which is an upscale hotel that I could see attracting upper class weekenders from Manhattan. The less people have to drive to their final destination, the better. I'm sure the Red Lion, along with Barrington's Chamber of Commerce would be interested in working something out with MassDoT, HRRC, and the BSRM, especially now that MassDoT owns that section of the line.
As far as Canaan, Falls Village, Cornwall, and Kent, well, there's nothing really there to support a weekend stay, unless you REALLY like hiking. Yes, Canaan's got a few shops by the tracks, the newly restored depot, and more places to eat than you'd ever need, but it's not exactly what I'd call a weekend getaway destination. I do my grocery shopping there on Fridays, and even that's enough for me. There's nothing really in Falls Village trackside, aside from some hiking trails to the great falls down the road, and a super small downtown (if you can even call it that). West Cornwall has the covered bridge and a couple of shops, but like Falls Village, nothing else. It's not like Uber or Lyft has much of a presence in the area either, and even if they did, the next largest population centers to lodge/visit are Winsted, Torrington, Waterbury, and Danbury, of which the latter two already have rail service, and the former two probably aren't going to be a huge draw for weekenders taking the train to Pittsfield.
Kent and New Milford I could see as potential destinations, except from the south, and served by Metro-North/CT DoT in conjunction with improved and enhanced service on the branch. New Milford has become a fair-sized population center of its own, and I think rail service would reduce some stress on Super 7. Kent, with the private school, hiking, shops, and restaurants could be worthy of a weekend/seasonal stop a la Appalachian Trail on the Harlem. Maybe run a morning/afternoon/evening set of round trips on Saturdays and/or Sundays.
I've also stated previously that I think an RDC car from the DRM to Chuck's Steakhouse, the mall, possibly Brewster could be a worthy start up to a potential Metro-North shuttle between Danbury and Brewster, but that's also a railfan dream.
The other issue with running trains on the CT portion of the line, is the well-known and oft-repeated reputation of the host railroad, as well as the current state of things in, well, the state. It goes without saying that the HRRC has its fair share of issues, and CT is broke. So realistically speaking, I wouldn't expect anything to happen on this half of the route passenger-wise anytime soon. If anything, I could see some freight upgrades if another operator bought the route out, but don't hold your breath.
#TLDR
- RDC shuttle from Pittsfield to Stockbridge and Barrington for tourist-y things and upscale lodging.
- Passenger service in MA more likely due to state ownership of trackage, possible private and corporate sponsorship from state and local businesses.
- Host railroad is hostile towards outside services, negligent on maintenance. CT is broker than broke.
- Towns between Barrington and Kent not really worth passenger service due to location and amenities, or lack thereof.
- Work on improving existing freight and passenger service, expand to New Milford, maybe Kent; possible Beacon Line reopening between Danbury & Brewster.
The only way I could see any passenger service on the entire length of the route would be something akin to the late Saratoga & North Creek; run a sightseeing train from Pittsfield to Danbury with a dome, dining car, lounge car, etc. with drinks, food, and other comforts to keep people entertained and happy. Maybe offer discounted admission to the DRM on the layover, some Dunkin' Donuts coupons, etc. Passengers could even go back to the city on Metro-North if they wanted.
Again, just some thoughts rattling around in my noggin. Please don't be offended or take me too seriously
.
Keep in mind that all of this are just thoughts on my part, and in no way meant to offend anyone or express some wild railfan fantasies.
I think if Amtrak were to start semi-regular service to Pittsfield, then maybe running a Budd car shuttle to Stockbridge and Barrington could be an option. Barrington has a nice main street with boutique shops, hotels, etc., and is easy to get around. Stockbridge has the Red Lion Inn, which is an upscale hotel that I could see attracting upper class weekenders from Manhattan. The less people have to drive to their final destination, the better. I'm sure the Red Lion, along with Barrington's Chamber of Commerce would be interested in working something out with MassDoT, HRRC, and the BSRM, especially now that MassDoT owns that section of the line.
As far as Canaan, Falls Village, Cornwall, and Kent, well, there's nothing really there to support a weekend stay, unless you REALLY like hiking. Yes, Canaan's got a few shops by the tracks, the newly restored depot, and more places to eat than you'd ever need, but it's not exactly what I'd call a weekend getaway destination. I do my grocery shopping there on Fridays, and even that's enough for me. There's nothing really in Falls Village trackside, aside from some hiking trails to the great falls down the road, and a super small downtown (if you can even call it that). West Cornwall has the covered bridge and a couple of shops, but like Falls Village, nothing else. It's not like Uber or Lyft has much of a presence in the area either, and even if they did, the next largest population centers to lodge/visit are Winsted, Torrington, Waterbury, and Danbury, of which the latter two already have rail service, and the former two probably aren't going to be a huge draw for weekenders taking the train to Pittsfield.
Kent and New Milford I could see as potential destinations, except from the south, and served by Metro-North/CT DoT in conjunction with improved and enhanced service on the branch. New Milford has become a fair-sized population center of its own, and I think rail service would reduce some stress on Super 7. Kent, with the private school, hiking, shops, and restaurants could be worthy of a weekend/seasonal stop a la Appalachian Trail on the Harlem. Maybe run a morning/afternoon/evening set of round trips on Saturdays and/or Sundays.
I've also stated previously that I think an RDC car from the DRM to Chuck's Steakhouse, the mall, possibly Brewster could be a worthy start up to a potential Metro-North shuttle between Danbury and Brewster, but that's also a railfan dream.
The other issue with running trains on the CT portion of the line, is the well-known and oft-repeated reputation of the host railroad, as well as the current state of things in, well, the state. It goes without saying that the HRRC has its fair share of issues, and CT is broke. So realistically speaking, I wouldn't expect anything to happen on this half of the route passenger-wise anytime soon. If anything, I could see some freight upgrades if another operator bought the route out, but don't hold your breath.
#TLDR
- RDC shuttle from Pittsfield to Stockbridge and Barrington for tourist-y things and upscale lodging.
- Passenger service in MA more likely due to state ownership of trackage, possible private and corporate sponsorship from state and local businesses.
- Host railroad is hostile towards outside services, negligent on maintenance. CT is broker than broke.
- Towns between Barrington and Kent not really worth passenger service due to location and amenities, or lack thereof.
- Work on improving existing freight and passenger service, expand to New Milford, maybe Kent; possible Beacon Line reopening between Danbury & Brewster.
The only way I could see any passenger service on the entire length of the route would be something akin to the late Saratoga & North Creek; run a sightseeing train from Pittsfield to Danbury with a dome, dining car, lounge car, etc. with drinks, food, and other comforts to keep people entertained and happy. Maybe offer discounted admission to the DRM on the layover, some Dunkin' Donuts coupons, etc. Passengers could even go back to the city on Metro-North if they wanted.
Again, just some thoughts rattling around in my noggin. Please don't be offended or take me too seriously
."That sapling that once grew just south of Wassaic may be long gone, and the Harlem Line’s appearance may have changed over the years, but for decades to come, I can count on it continuing to provide me with funny recollections"
