One of Pittsfield young leaders explains how the city is getting ready for rail

In this episode of Train Time, we spoke to Ricardo Morales, the Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities for the City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Like many US cities, Pittsfield has faced challenges in recent decades, especially after the departure of GE Plastics, which left a toxic legacy in the Housatonic River. But Pittsfield has been inventive, benefiting from its location at the center of Berkshire County, between Williamstown to the north and Lenox and Great Barrington to the south. Even more important is its location on the train line between Chicago and Boston, and as the destination for the planned Berkshire Flyer and Berkshire (Housatonic) Line passenger services. Morales is involved in transportation planning and explains the rise he’s seen in car service availability and plans for bike-share in the city, part of Pittsfield’s commitment to be an effective  transit point for north-south and east-west passenger rail. We wrapped up with some of his research into the streetcar system that used to exist across the region; you’ll find some of the pictures he’s collected below.

See below for an edited transcript of the interview.

Ricardo Morales served as the City Engineer before being appointed as the Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities for the City of Pittsfield. Prior to working for the city, he worked in project management for Consigli Construction Company. Morales serves as a representing member for Pittsfield on the Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization and Transportation Advisory Committee, and has represented the city, along with Mayor Linda Tyer, on train-related initiatives like the Berkshire Flyer and the Massachusetts East-West Rail study.