Train service between New York City and the Berkshires could start this summer. That's if Amtrak and the company that owns some of the track the service would run on can come to terms on one last issue.
The Berkshire Flyer pilot program would extend Amtrak service from Albany to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on Fridays and Sundays this summer.
CSX owns about 40 miles of track needed. The company said Amtrak can use them for the Berkshire Flyer if it will build a new 1,000-foot track in Pittsfield so freight service along the route isn't impacted.
State Sen. Adam Hinds, who represents the Berkshires and has been a major proponent of the service, said he's optimistic it will become a reality.
"When it comes to the capital investments in Pittsfield, it's our understanding that we'll move through the pilot to see how that interacts with freight service before any major capital investments are needed," he said.
Hinds said Amtrak and CSX still need to work out an agreement both of them are comfortable with.
The state Department of Transportation would also need to sign off.
