Amtrak, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, is launching a passenger train Friday called the Valley Flyer.
The Valley Flyer will run daily along the Connecticut River, making station stops in Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield. It also will connect with Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor at New Haven and serve stations between New Haven and Springfield.
Amenities include a generous baggage policy, the ability to use phones and electronic devices at all times, free Wi-Fi, spacious seats, no middle seat, and the ability to travel with small pets.
“The introduction of this service, running through the recently re-opened and renovated Springfield Union Station, will help to grow the economy and tourism in the area and support a new field of workers who now have access to convenient employment hubs in the Pioneer Valley by simply traveling by rail. I am proud to be a partner in this great endeavor, ” U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal (D-MA) said.
Amtrak ran service readiness trains on the line all this month, preparing for the Aug. 30 launch.
Amtrak and the Amtrak Police Department also hosted events and conducted a public service campaign aimed at reducing railroad-related deaths and injuries and creating rail grade crossing awareness.