Agency submits plan to move Amtrak rail

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A proposed plan could get more people off the road and on the railroad.

The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission wants to realign Amtrak service to have the rails run parallel to the Connecticut River.

This change would speed the trip to White River Junction, Vermont by an hour, running through Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield.

Currently, the tracks take a hard right to Palmer and then run through Amherst.

"In addition to the existing Amtrak service, it's the opportunity for a commuter rail...having more trains operate, go the shorter distance," says PVPC Planner Dana Roscoe.

This project will cost an estimated $30-million.

The PVPC hopes to pay for it with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The federal government is setting aside $8-billion for high-speed rail projects.

Travelers 22News spoke with are on board with improvements to the local rail system.

"If it was affordable and quick..yes I'd take the train," says Cesire Williams of Westfield.

The Department of Transportation is expected to tell states how to apply for these grants by June.