Massachusetts Transportation officials have started a series of public hearings on a proposed high speed rail system that seeks to link Springfield with Boston.
The effort has been talked about for years and now has been fast-tracked by State Senator Eric Lesser.
At a hearing in Springfield last night, transportation officials say that linking the two ends of the state would allow more people to live in Western Mass where home prices are less and work in Boston where housing costs are through the roof.
State Officials say they will be having additional public comment sessions.
A final report is expected to be released at some point by the end of 2020.