North-south rail, a first step in the right directionDate: 9/3/2019 I hope you were able to catch Dani Eaton’s story from last week about the implementation of a pilot train service that connects Greenfield to Northampton, Holyoke and Greenfield. If you didn’t the story is on our website at www.thereminder.com.
This train is a step in the right direction of providing additional mass transit options to an area of the state that one could argue is under-served.
If successful, I’m sure that will be fuel to support the additional research into east-west commuter rail – something we also need. That proposed commuter line would benefit Pittsfield and possibly Blandford and Chester depending upon which plan the Commonwealth would implement, if it implements any.
Transportation issues have become a hot button issue in the eastern part of the state.
Gov. Charlie Baker brought up the issue of traffic congestion and how to solve it at a recent meeting of governors on Aug. 27.
Katie Lannan of the State House News Service reported, “Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo on Thursday did something many of her constituents do each day: commuted from Providence to Boston at rush hour.
“‘Having just driven up here this morning, I can tell you the traffic is brutal,’ Raimondo said at a National Governors Association summit focused on transportation and infrastructure.
“Gov. Charlie Baker, whose administration recently completed a study that found traffic is at a ‘tipping point’ in Massachusetts – some commuters would say it’s past that point – hosted Raimondo and Govs. Larry Hogan of Maryland and Chris Sununu of New Hampshire for the gathering at the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel.
Raimondo, the only Democrat among the four governors, said alleviating traffic will require collaborating across state and party lines.
“Baker and Raimondo said they've been working together to improve regional rail service linking their two capitals, which Raimondo said needs to be faster and more frequent.”
Okay that’s important, but consider this: when you have less populated areas the need for public transportation doesn’t diminish. In fact, it becomes more critical.
Public transportation provides a safety net for those people who do not access to a car. It is an alternative that can be used to relieve congestion on roads and lower emissions.
It’s an important component of economic development and a way to attract people to an area.
Yes, I understand the biggest problems are where the majority of people are living. However, it is increasingly difficult to see so much effort being placed in the eastern part of the state.
I find very interesting that state officials are now saying congestion is at a tipping point that could derail continued economic development. Hasn’t traffic been a bear for years? Didn’t we spend billions of dollars on the Big Dig in order to cope with traffic in Boston? Clearly that project was not enough.
What I’m worried about is whatever new initiative for transportation in the east will suck up dollars that could be used to help the four western counties.
State officials, in many ways, have treated infrastructure issues – which include transportation systems – like some people treat their “check engine” light when it comes on. A lot of folks ignore it as long as the car is running.
The check engine light has been blazing for a long time in the Bay State when it comes to traffic congestion. The issue now is just how much will it cost to try to get it turned off.
In the meantime, I’m hoping that east-west rail will now receive more attention – and political will – and the new north-south service will be used by folks.
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