Massachusetts’ governor-elect says the casino coming to Springfield could spur more rail service between Boston and Springfield.
Right now there’s one train, each way, between Boston and Springfield: Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited, which also stops in Framingham, Worcester and Pittsfield on its way to Chicago.
Congressman Richard Neal of Springfield wants more frequent service, and he says it’s about fairness.
“Well, you could see the Green Line is being proposed for the other end of the state,” Neal says. “And I think, adhering to Governor Patrick’s call for regional equity in terms of public investment, that it makes a good deal of sense in the aftermath of the ‘Big Dig’ to provide greater transportation access east-west.”
Neal wants to talk to Governor-elect Charlie Baker about that, and Baker wants to have that conversation. His spokesperson says given MGM’s investment in a Springfield casino, Baker “believes it is worthwhile to explore the possibility of expanded passenger rail through a public-private partnership.”
New England Public Radio’s Kari Njiiri contributed to this report.