Neal, MassDOT Highlight Progress on Compass Rail and Announce Additional Round of Federal Funding

Springfield, MA - Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, MassDOT Rail Administrator Meredith Slesinger, MassDOT West-East Rail Director Andy Koziol, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, and state and local officials for a roundtable discussion on the progress of Compass Rail.

During the roundtable, officials provided an update on eight ongoing projects in furtherance of Compass Rail, including improvements along the Inland Route from Boston to Springfield to New Haven, the Boston & Albany Corridor ID Program, and ongoing projects in Longmeadow, Springfield, Palmer, Pittsfield, and West Springfield. Officials also discussed how an infusion of more than $150 million in federal funding over the last five years has accelerated planning, design, and early construction efforts across the corridor, laying the groundwork for expanded service and long-term regional connectivity. By 2030, two daily round trips between Springfield and Boston are expected to be in service.

"Today's discussion is a reminder of the significant progress that has been made with Compass Rail, including West-East Rail. Whether it be increased ridership along the Knowledge Corridor or the recent partnership with Amtrak, Connecticut, and Massachusetts for expanded service, it is clear that there is great demand for passenger rail service," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "I want to thank Secretary Eng, Administrator Slesinger, and Director Koziol for their continued leadership and partnership in moving this project forward. Governor Healey has been a terrific advocate on this issue, one that will connect communities, expand opportunities, and grow our regional economies, transforming the way we live in every corner of the Commonwealth."

"West-East rail is about more than transportation. It is about connecting people to jobs, education, and opportunity across our state," said Governor Maura T. Healey. "Our administration has made this a priority because stronger rail connections mean a stronger economy for every region of Massachusetts. I'm grateful to Congressman Neal for his continued partnership in advancing this work and helping move this investment forward as we deliver reliable, modern rail service that people can count on."

Following the roundtable, Congressman Neal announced a $1.2 million earmark for the Knowledge Corridor Positive Train Control (PTC) Design Project. This allocation was made possible through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. Congressman Neal included funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill.

"This earmark is just the latest round of funding in what has been a sustained federal investment in passenger rail over the last several years," continued Congressman Neal. "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was written in the Ways and Means Committee during my time as chairman, which is why I take great satisfaction in seeing Massachusetts continuing to realize the benefits of our historic efforts."

"Thank you to Congressman Neal, as he continues to champion transportation and what it does for jobs and the economy. This $1.2 million earmark that the Congressman has secured for the design of the Knowledge Corridor Positive Train Control (PTC) allows us to advance this critical technology. Implementation of PTC will enable the expansion of passenger and freight service along this line," said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. "The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made West-East Rail a priority of the state, and we are committed to moving this project forward. Investments in rail are investments in the communities and public we serve, strengthening connections by expanding access to reliable, sustainable transportation. This funding helps us take a meaningful step toward transforming how people live, work, and travel across the region."

The Knowledge Corridor PTC Project will install a PTC system along the 49.5-mile corridor between Springfield and Northfield, MA. The installation of a PTC system along the corridor will enhance safety, as these systems are designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, overspeed derailments, incursions into established work zones, and trains moving through switches left in the wrong position. As a result, this project will enable the expansion of passenger and freight services along the line.

"We are pleased to work with Congressman Neal and the Healey-Driscoll Administration to advance Compass Rail service along this critical corridor," said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. "Our strong partnerships with Amtrak, CSX, and the federal government, as well as with Connecticut DOT and the Vermont Agency of Transportation, are helping us move forward with projects and investments that expand passenger rail and enhance our vital freight network. Together, we are building connections that support economic development, improve mobility, and provide reliable service for residents, visitors, and businesses across the Commonwealth."

"Compass Rail represents our long-term vision for expanding passenger rail service and improving connectivity across Massachusetts with multiple projects underway," said West-East Rail Director Andy Koziol. "Advancing these projects will create the rail capacity needed to expand service, reduce travel times, and provide residents and visitors throughout the Commonwealth with enhanced transportation options."

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