The Ames Ridge has now become the Springfield Southern

Here is the timeline.

In the early 70's rail service in New England was becoming increasingly erratic. A cash strapped New Haven controled the Boston/Albany line which included the West Springfield yard. To the north, service on the B&M was also deteriorating. In hopes of providing better service, two small class 3 roads, the Ames Ridge and the Ware River line joined forces to form the Springfield Southern. A land was purchased and a right of way established from the town of Crystal Lake, just east of Palmer Ma. to Ames Ridge, located in a valley west of Southwick Ma.

As time progressed, connections were made to the Providence and Worcester. With the comming of Conrail and Amtrack, both reluctantly recieved trackage rights. In it's current form, the SSR serves Palmer, Springfield and Westfield with connections both east toBoston via Conrail and west via the B&M. There is a direct connection to the PVRR and P&W.