Archive -- New England 2017 Regional NARP Meeting - Springfield, MA

'A Connected New England'

Presented By The National Association of Railroad Passengers

Saturday, August 19, 2017

11:00am - 3:00pm

Sheration Monarch Place Hotel - Springfield, MA (One Monarch Place)

Ballroom North - Third Floor

MEETING SUMMARY

Springfield is at a crossroads, both literally and figuratively. From the remodeled Union Station to the under-construction MGM Casino, major investments are being made in Springfield’s civic and economic growth. And geographically, Springfield is a key connecting point between the Boston area and upstate New York, as well as between Western Connecticut and Vermont. Join us as we discuss the role of passenger rail in connecting these regions and the economic development that inevitably follows such investments. Among other issues, we’ll discuss the need to extend the MBTA’s commuter rail west from Worcester to Springfield, as well as the need to run more frequent service north and south along the “knowledge corridor” between Springfield and Greenfield via Holyoke and Northampton. A Connected New England benefits the entire region, and Springfield is key.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

	Timothy Brennan Executive Director Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
	Jim Mathews President/CEO National Association of Railroad Passengers
Lunch Remarks:
	Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno

Meeting Program Includes A Complete Hot Lunch Buffet

Registration Levels:

• Regular Attendee Registration - $50.00 (On-Line or At Door)
• Student Attendee Registration - $25.00
• Sponsor Level Registration - $100.00

On Site Registration Will Be Available On Saturday

SPRINGFIELD UNION STATION TOURS

For meeting attendees, a general post-meeting tour of the newly-remodeled Springfield Union Station will be available at 3:30pm.

A pre-meeting tour at 9:30am is available by specific advance request. If you are interested in a tour at this time please contact Tom Girsch at [email protected] to reserve a spot.

HOTEL DISCOUNT

For those wishing to arrive early and spend Friday night in Springfield, there’s a limited block of discounted rooms set aside for just $119/night plus tax. To reserve a room, call the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place at (413) 263-2010, ask for reservations, and tell them that you’re attending the Rail Passengers Association meeting. Discounted rooms are limited, and reservations must be made before August 7.

PARKING

The Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place is offering discounted parking for meeting attendees. Registered attendees will pay a flat $7 for all-day parking; overnight guests with the group will pay $17.
There is also parking available at the Union Station Garage, but this is hourly and likely to be more expansive.

ARRIVING BY TRAIN

The Sheraton Monarch Place is an approximately 12 - 15 minutes walk from Springfield Union Station!

From Vermont, Holyoke, Greenfield, Northampton:

• Arrive via Vermonter 55 on Friday at 2:50 PM, spend the night
• Return via Vermonter 54, departing Springfield Union Station at 3:15 PM on Saturday

From Connecticut and points south:

• Arrive into Springfield via Thruway Bus 3450 at 10:03 AM on Saturday (Departs New Haven at 8:42 AM)
• Return via Thruway Bus 3467, departing Springfield Union Station at 5:27 PM on Saturday (Arriving New Haven at 7:00pm)

NOTE: The New Haven to Springfield Shuttle Trains are NOT Operating on Saturday, August 19!

From Pittsfield, Albany and points West:

• Arrive via Lake Shore Limited #448 on Friday at 5:28 PM*, spend the night
• Return via Lake Shore Limited #449, departing Springfield on Saturday at 3:23 PM

From Worcester, Framingham and Boston:

• Arrive via Lake Shore Limited #449 on Friday, arriving at 3:18 PM, spend the night
• Return via Lake Shore Limited #448, departing Springfield on Saturday at 5:33 PM*

* - IMPORTANT: The eastbound Lake Shore Limited often runs late, so plan accordingly.