2007-02-19 03:31:01 · 10 answers · asked by zebbie g 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Boston
A great idea in principle. But I don't think so. While I'd LOVE it, I hope to God they never try. It all falls apart on the politics.
* Lots of deep pocketed homeowners in eastern MA aren't going to be thrilled with dormant tracks carrying passengers. The numerous "community impact" and "environmental impact" lawsuits will strangle this project in the cradle.
* It'd have to involve Springfield's city government, currently under receivership over their criminal mismanagement. The FBI is still wading through a warehouse of documents and indictments are still flying fast & furious.
* The state politics would be massive. The Mass Turnpike Authority is going to scream. Amtrak is going to scream. They are going to need to be bought off.
* The project is NEVER going to be profitable. A lot of political favors are going to be required, which means a TON of no-show jobs for relatives of well-connected hacks.
Consider this... The Mass Turnpike - a highway that was built in the 1950's, is STILL a toll road, even though it has been paid for many times over. The ticket-takers make $60K+ per year, not counting the theft. They get incredible benefits and pensions. They have electricians who log 100 hours overtime a week and (best of all!) aren't even licensed electricians.
Massachusetts hacks use these projects to keep slacking relatives on the payroll. Look at UMass Dartmouth, look at the MBTA, look at the Mass Turnpike Authority, look at Massport... LOOK AT THE BIG DIG!
A great idea - that I hope never sees the light of day. The state can't afford it.
2007-02-19 03:55:44 · answer #1 · answered by Jon T. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would someone live in Springfield and commute to Boston? I think having the commuter rail line end in Worcester is about as far as it needs to go.
I think Amtrak is all you need to serve these two cities.
2007-02-19 17:00:08 · answer #2 · answered by Dereky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably not for quite a while... I am a long-time resident of Taunton, and we have been waiting for the 'proposed' New Bedford/Fall River Commuter Rail for about a decade so far... I even have a petition out right now to gain signatures in supporting the ...eventual... ...if ever... construction of that decade-old proposed line through here.
2007-02-20 00:04:27 · answer #3 · answered by bsc_student_08 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Likely there will be such a service... but as to when... that is the better question.
Rail lines are very, very expensive. You have to factor in: Cost of rolling stock, cost of rail and any improvements, right of way issues and the like.
The better question is given the congestion along that travel corridor, will the projected benefit in reducing vehicular traffic justify the significant time and expense to go through the funding and approval process along with construction and implementation to make any reasonable dent in the problem.
In most cases by the time you add the federal share, local share (all taxes that come from us all) and then the on-going operating costs, repair costs, station construction, advertising, ticketing, staffing, maintenance of buildings, rights of way, parking facilities, security, lighting, etc. You will likely be looking at a full cost-allocated (operating AND capital expenses) average cost per rider in the realm of $20-$30K per year.
It would literally be less expensive to buy everyone a car.
And that assumes you get enough people willing to make a mode shift from one travel mode (car, vanpool, telework, bus, etc.) to the commuter rail itself to even TRY to make the numbers work.
You are looking at years.
A LOT of them.
2007-02-19 03:39:55 · answer #4 · answered by dmzltc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if we'll see it in this lifetime, but doesn't Amtrak have a run to and from Springfield?
It would make life so much easier for the "westerners" in Mass.
2007-02-19 12:24:10 · answer #5 · answered by Melissa F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you're able to purchase your value ticket on the practice. you're able to have money, and can get the two a one-way or roundtrip value ticket. there's a small greater desirable value (i think of that is $a million or $2) if to procure on the practice at a station the place they sell tickets -- (the two at a cost tag window or at a close-by shop). some suburban stations don't have everywhere to purchase tickets, so there is not any greater desirable value to purchase the value ticket on the practice.
2016-11-23 18:36:44 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea, right after they finish the tunnel to the cape.
2007-02-19 03:38:11 · answer #7 · answered by aibs1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe when they finish the Big Dig in another 50 years...
2007-02-19 03:46:08 · answer #8 · answered by GrnEyedBandita 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I do not believe it has even been suggested to extend service beyond Worcester.
2007-02-19 09:50:19 · answer #9 · answered by Hank 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No there will not be one. Amtrak is the way to go.
2007-02-19 04:33:33 · answer #10 · answered by selconcierge 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋