Editor’s note: The author is Senior Vice President of Tourism & Marketing at 1Berkshire
Last summer, after a 51-year hiatus in passenger service from New York City to the Berkshires, Amtrak launched the Berkshire Flyer train service. The train, bringing visitors from Penn Station to Pittsfield, returns this summer for the first full season pilot run. Funding for this pilot project is in place for this year, as well as next, so we look forward again to welcoming visitors from New York City via rail.
The Berkshire Flyer was originally championed by former State Senator Adam Hinds; he worked with other transportation advocates to realize a dedicated train line between New York and Pittsfield. We are happy to say that his efforts were successful, and that the flag for this project continues to be carried by State Senator Paul Mark and State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier.
“The appetite for rail service connecting the Berkshires to New York City, Boston, and beyond is greater right now than it has been in decades. This second expanded season for the Berkshire Flyer will continue to demonstrate that rail service to our beautiful region can be successful and is worth continuing and expanding. I am honored to work alongside so many great partners in state, federal, and local government, and throughout our community to keep this service moving forward as another vital link to showcase what makes the Berkshires such a special place,” states Senator Paul Mark.
The rail service runs each weekend from May 26th through October 9th, 2023. Coach fares start at $45 for economy tickets and can increase if booked closer to the departure date. Currently this service primarily provides a new way to visit the Berkshires for the more than 600,000 New Yorkers who do not have a car. In the long term, the idea is that this service will become a daily year-round option in both directions, improving transportation for visitors and residents alike.
Anuja Koirala, Principal Transportation Planner for Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, says, “Last summer, the Berkshire Flyer first-year pilot was successful; over 819 passenger trips occurred over a ten-week season; tickets sold out each weekend. This year the service will be extended to twenty weeks. Berkshire Flyer service creates another opportunity to bring visitors to the region and increase tourism. With the popularity of this seasonal service, reservations should be made as early as possible.”
Regarding rider demographics, more than 50 percent of riders were under the age of 40, and for many this was their first time visiting the Berkshires. It is interesting to note that more than 80 percent of riders arriving in the Berkshires were picked up by family or friends, freeing them of any “last-mile” challenges (data based on 2023 Flyer Rider Survey). The “last-mile” options continue to be relevant, as we want riders to have a seamless Berkshire experience once they leave the train. This year’s goal is to offer rental car services to visitors.
Local businesses are encouraged to help spread the word about the Berkshire Flyer to their New York customers. An online toolkit provides assets for posting to social media, including logos, links, and ideas for call-outs in e-communications. The community’s assistance in amplifying the availability of this pilot train service is key to its ongoing success.
We look forward to seeing how many more people will discover our unique destination via the Flyer this summer. This old “new” way of traveling to our region shows proof of concept, that rail service is relevant for Western MA and we should continue to work collectively towards ensuring our region’s accessibility. It will bring in new visitors and will allow local residents easier ways to commute and travel, creating a much-needed ebb and flow for our economy.
For more information about the Berkshire Flyer please visit berkshires.org/the-berkshire-flyer.
