Amtrak, in conjunction with MassDOT, is launching a new state supported seven-day-a-week passenger train called the Valley Flyer. The train will travel along the Connecticut River, a region referred to as the Knowledge Corridor, with trains making station stops in Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield.

The trains will also connect with Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor at New Haven and serve stations between New Haven and Springfield. The service begins August 30.

“Our administration continues to prioritize efforts to improve and expand transit opportunities in all corners of the Commonwealth, and the new Valley Flyer passenger rail pilot is an important step forward as we seek to meet the needs of residents and communities in Western Massachusetts,” said Gov. Charlie Baker.

Valley Flyer customers can expect the same amenities onboard as they do on all other Amtrak trains including, free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, no middle seat, and more.

In preparation for the start of new service, Amtrak ran service readiness trains on the Knowledge Corridor throughout August, and Amtrak officials and the Amtrak Police Department (APD) hosted several presentations to various schools and positive enforcement grade crossing awareness events in the area, and shared rail safety messages to improve education on rail safety. Outreach efforts utilized material and rail safety information from Operation Lifesaver, a national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing railroad-related deaths and injuries.

The augmentation of train service to the Knowledge Corridor is a project of MassDOT. Amtrak also currently runs service along this rail corridor, with its Vermonter train, which connects St. Albans, Vermont to Washington, D.C.