The Train Campaign

06/04/2026

While we wait for news about our local and regional transportation, here are some tidbits from places close to home and far afield.

News from New England, Europe, and the Northwest

06/04/2026

The world has changed but not the US trains.

On this date, fifty years ago: Amtrak F40PH 214 leads westbound passenger train no. 355 operating on Conrail track at Detroit, Michigan, on June 3, 1976. It's framed with Michigan Central Station, Detroit's primary railroad depot from 1913 to 1988 and now beautifully restored. Photo by John Bjorklund, CRP&A archive (Bjorklund-80-07-03).

05/26/2026

This gathering is about news and connectivity, and I'll be there to discuss the role of third places. I feel sure I will also find a way to bring in trains--also essential to community! If you're anywhere near Williamstown, do come along.

Trains fit into the story: I'll be happy to talk about rail revival as well as third places as community catalysts

05/09/2026

The photo shows an old-fashioned scenic railroad, but Rails with Trails works with modern passenger service, too. https://traintime.substack.com/p/best-of-both-worlds-rails-with-trails

04/23/2026

https://open.substack.com/pub/traintime/p/how-the-brta-pittsfields-transit-system-lost-its-way?r=j70&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Sharing "The bus that didn't come" report

04/16/2026

We all know that getting Connecticut on board is vital to restoration of the Berkshire Housatonic Line. Here's a chance to give the CT Department of Transportation a push in the right direction. Please sign the petition, send an email, and/or jump on a call. And SHARE SHARE SHARE here on FB! Thank you trainfully!

Have your say on the CTDOT draft 30-year plan!

04/11/2026

https://open.substack.com/pub/traintime/p/once-upon-a-time-in-america-and-china?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

A wake-up call for citizens, civic leaders, and legislators

03/03/2026

There's time to write to the BRTA about current and future service: [email protected]. In our opinion, the objective should be more riders, and that means frequent, safe, reliable service on the routes people are now driving most. When transit is frequent, safe, and reliable, it’s more than just a service. It’s infrastructure.

The objective should be more riders, and that means frequent, safe, reliable service on the routes people are now driving most

02/28/2026

This is a nerdy newsletter packed with rail detail from a report written before the pandemic. If you are one of the citizen nerds who wants to understand some of the technical and financial details to be worked out for the Berkshire and Maybrook Line services, you’ll love it. And we have information about a new bill introduced in Washington DC that could benefit these regional projects. News about the very local BRTA coming in a separate newsletter.

And legislation that might help us get moving

02/25/2026

I will be driving to Pittsfield this afternoon—driving, because there are no buses running!—to attend the second and last in-person meeting about the proposed changes to Berkshire County bus service. What should I ask about?

I'm going to an in-person meeting and will be reporting afterwards. What do you want to know?