Funding has been approved by the State of Massachusetts for a two-year pilot program to launch Amtrak service from New York City to Berkshire County in Massachusetts.
The Berkshire Flyer has been allotted “not less than $270,000” for its inaugural year, which is expected to start in Spring 2020.
Legislation authorizing the funding also set aside $30,000 for a project manager and $100,000 for marketing the service.
The Flyer is will operate on weekends during the summer season between New York Penn Station and Pittsfield, using the Empire Corridor to Albany-Rensselaer, New York, and the route of the Lake Shore Limited east of there.
One train is expected to operate from New York to Pittsfield on Friday while its counterpart will return to New York on Sunday.
Trains will operate from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekends with the fare set at $70 each way.
A marketing plan will be created by 1Berkshire, the county’s economic development and tourism council while the Massachusetts Department of Transportation needs to work out schedules and other logistical matters with Amtrak.
Also involved in the planning and implementation of the service will be the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority.