Amtrak, MassDOT To Launch Valley Flyer Service

Written by Andrew Corselli
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Springfield Union Station

Amtrak, in conjunction with MassDOT, is launching a new state-supported, seven-day-a-week passenger train for a two-year pilot program on August 30 called the Valley Flyer.

The Valley Flyer will travel along the Connecticut River—also known as the Knowledge Corridor—with trains making stops in Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield. The trains will also connect with Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor at New Haven and serve stations between New Haven and Springfield.

The Valley Flyer aims to boast the same amenities onboard as is on all other Amtrak trains, including free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times, the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, seats with ample leg room, no middle seat and two personal items and two carry-on bags.

Trains 461, 471 and 495 will now originate in Greenfield traveling to Springfield and New Haven, and Trains 478, 488, and 494 will now originate in New Haven traveling to Springfield and Greenfield. Train 400 will originate in Springfield and terminate in Greenfield while train 499 will originate in Greenfield and terminate in Springfield. Trains 471, 478, 494, 495 will run Monday through Friday, and Trains 400, 461, 488 and 499 will run on weekends.

“The new Valley Flyer service highlights the continuing growing demand of train travel throughout this country,” said Amtrak President & CEO Richard Anderson. “We are proud to launch this service with our partners at MassDOT and offer Massachusetts residents and visitors with the ability to see all the state has to offer through rail travel.”

“This pilot program could be a game-changer for our region, better connecting travelers and businesses while growing our economy,” said Massachusetts Congressman James McGovern.  “The Valley Flyer will finally make it possible for those in the Knowledge Corridor to commute to places like New York City and back in the same day while bringing more travelers into Massachusetts. I want to thank Amtrak and MassDOT for this investment in our community and will continue working to improve rail service so more people can see all our region has to offer.”

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