CSX and Massachusetts state officials announced a comprehensive multi-year rail transportation agreement that increases options for commuters and lays the groundwork for improving the flow of product shipments.

The agreement has been in the works for nearly four years, in close cooperation with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

The agreement includes the addition of five commuter trains that will serve Worcester, while leaving open the possibility of additional trains as rail capacity is created. In addition, it will facilitate the Patrick-Murray Administration's plan to extend commuter rail service to New Bedford and Fall River, provide the potential for even more commuter service for Worcester, and create the ability of area companies to ship or receive products on double-stack rail cars. Double-stack rail cars carry containers that would otherwise move by truck on already-crowded highways.