The Massachusetts State Senate has authorized $275 million in spending for the East-West Commuter Rail project.

It's part of a $10.4 billion transportation resources and climate bond bill. The project aims to connect the western part of the state with Worcester and Boston.

Senator Eric Lesser says this is a major step forward in the process.

"It's gonna give Eastern Mass. access to that high quality of life, that more affordable cost of living, and it's gonna give Western Mass. access to that red hot economy and that red hot job market in the metro Boston area," Lesser said. "It helps everyone. Oh, and by the way, it would take thousands and thousands of cars off the road. It would be one of the single biggest investments we've ever made in clean transportation."

Amtrak would operate the east-west train service between Worcester, Springfield and Pittsfield. A commission will also look into an East-West Rail passenger authority.