Inland Route seems to have evaded a lot of mention here. I'm assuming it'll better settle into the spotlight after Knowledge Corridor service begins to take shape. If MassDot is successful in developing/restoring Springfield as a rail hub, I'm hopeful we'll eventually see a push by MassDot to connect the dots(massDOTS hah).
Ideally it would be nice to see a dual corridor develop between Boston and Berkshire County. Honestly, I don't think it's horrifically unreasonable. Vermont's state rail plan includes passenger service on the CV on the east side of the state and the Western Corridor on the old Rutland Main. The distance between Vermont's routes are comparative to the distance between the B&M and the B&A. Two or three Fitchburg and Worcester Service trains extended to Williamstown and Pittsfield respectively would provide nearly-reasonable rail service to the entirety of the state. Furthermore, given the decent condition of the B&A, and the potentially decent condition of the B&M, these extensions could be done relatively cheap(at least when compared to South Coast Rail). Both routes could piggyback on the Knowledge Corridor layover facilities. A redesign of/addition to the Greenfield Station would be necessary. Other than that it's just infill on local platforms between Greenfield/Fitchburg and Pittsfield/Worcester, as well as a smattering west of Greenfield. Okay, that's enough (not) wild pitches for the night... take note MassDOT.
Ideally it would be nice to see a dual corridor develop between Boston and Berkshire County. Honestly, I don't think it's horrifically unreasonable. Vermont's state rail plan includes passenger service on the CV on the east side of the state and the Western Corridor on the old Rutland Main. The distance between Vermont's routes are comparative to the distance between the B&M and the B&A. Two or three Fitchburg and Worcester Service trains extended to Williamstown and Pittsfield respectively would provide nearly-reasonable rail service to the entirety of the state. Furthermore, given the decent condition of the B&A, and the potentially decent condition of the B&M, these extensions could be done relatively cheap(at least when compared to South Coast Rail). Both routes could piggyback on the Knowledge Corridor layover facilities. A redesign of/addition to the Greenfield Station would be necessary. Other than that it's just infill on local platforms between Greenfield/Fitchburg and Pittsfield/Worcester, as well as a smattering west of Greenfield. Okay, that's enough (not) wild pitches for the night... take note MassDOT.
Did we ever hear a music sweeter than the one that thrills, as it floats along the Deerfield, as it echoes o'er the hills.-E. A. Fitch
How we watch that little engine as it stalks across the plain; was there ever music sweeter, was there ever sight completer, than the coming of the train?