The "Knowledge Corridor" refers to the project of rebuilding the direct former Boston & Maine Railroad between Vernon VT, Greenfield MA, Northampton and Springfield. Currently the Vermonter makes a dog-leg via Amherst and reverses direction in Palmer Ma, so the new route would save 45-60 minutes on the way to New York.
The number 1 complaint we hear about the Amtrak's Vermonter is that it takes too long, so this could be an important project for Vermont.
If this seems important to you, please write to your Senators and Congressman. (For contact info, see http://whoismyrepresentative.com/
Several scenarios for expanded service are under discussion. Most plausble is to use the increased revenue and operational cost savings from running faster to add a second frequency from White River Junction. This would require the same level of subsidy but serve 50% more passengers. A more significant increase of 3-5 trips a day has also been proposed as has commuter service in Massachusetts.
An application for stimulus funds will be made to fund this project.
Unfortunatly, one effect of this project is that the Vermonter would be running less miles on the New England Central Railroad. Since fees for track maintenance also support this important route for freight in Vermont, that is a negative consequence. If a second frequency is run into Vermont, that could make up the difference - *if* the new frequency is actually put on.
The New England Central Railroad has responded to the "Knowlege Corridor" plan by proposing it's own plan, which would involve spending stimulus money on it's tracks instead, saving a similiar amount of time.
Stops at Greenfield, Northampton and Holyoke are projected for the new route. Greenfield is building a new station (at the former Toyota dealership just half a block south of downtown). Northampton's station remains as a resturant. Holyoke's station is abandoned and in private ownership - reviving it would probably take a little while and not be ready when the line opens.
The "Knowledge Corridor" name refers to the anchors of Yale and Dartmouth on each end and the almost 40 colleges and universities in between. It also references the important role transportation plays in tying Vermont into the larger cultural conversation -- and since knowledge is driving economic growth, Vermont's participation in the larger economic engines of the Northeast is critical.
More information:
Project website: http://www.pvpc.org/corridor/
Brattleboro Reformer article: http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_12449119
