Re: North-South Rail Link
Are you suggesting the NSRL is going to increase CR ridership by more than 4x IN THE PEAK? How much then?
Well - a big part of what changes is that we're no longer talking about commuter rail ridership, because we're no longer talking about commuter rail service.
The scenario F-Line is describing is essentially several legs of rapid transit extension to 128 (and beyond). The model is:
- Electric traction (faster and smoother acceleration, for faster overall average speeds and a more comfortable ride, especially if standing).
- Level boarding
- Frequent service, so you can just show up at most times of day instead of consulting a schedule
- strong connectivity to mbta subway lines
If that sounds like the red, orange and blue lines, it should. But in this scenario it also describes rail service at places like chelsea, porter sq, swampscott, salem, waltham...and also at new alewife-style park & rides in Woburn, Reading, and Beverly (insha'allah). And its giving you service directly to financial district & backbay & most of the seaport, among others.
Now: also assume that Boston continues growing at a steady pace, but the highways don't get expanded any more (i'll give you another lane on the northern segment of 128 and maybe 93 up near NH...but that just puts more pressure on the inner spokes anyway).
I think its a slam dunk that a lot of people are going to use that service, even if they don't currently take the commuter rail.
Again - ' NSRL increasing commuter rail ridership' is entirely the wrong way to look at it.
Its about replacing commuter rail with new rapid transit lines on the old rail ROWs, and the NSRL tunnel is just one part of making that happen.
Can't be emphasized enough.
NSRL is not the project. Regional Rapid Transit is the project, and NSRL is a key element of it.