USPS Complex | Fort Point

[Wonk]

Remember, Regional Rail is about much different usage patterns than conventional Commuter Rail 9-5 in/out to the burbs. It is getting people to use rail for a host of other trips enabled by better, frequent connectivity.

I guess I'm meaning that the Dukakis et al argument never focuses on regional rail. And, in my mind, a NSRL connection would be a nice to have in a Regional Rail system, but having a Regional Rail system isn't dependent on having a NSRL connection. Going back to the 10-20 billion project budget, I'd choose existing system electrification and crossing eliminations over NSRL if given that choice.

 

[JeffDowntown]

I guess I'm meaning that the Dukakis et al argument never focuses on regional rail. And, in my mind, a NSRL connection would be a nice to have in a Regional Rail system, but having a Regional Rail system isn't dependent on having a NSRL connection. Going back to the 10-20 billion project budget, I'd choose existing system electrification and crossing eliminations over NSRL if given that choice.

Electrification and crossing elimination are more urgent than NSRL -- but at some point Boston really should have thru-running train service as well. (Electrification is a necessary prerequisite for NSRL anyway.)

Thru-running Regional Rail is essential to unclogging the central transfer stations in the Subway in virtually every future use scenario. The system capacity gets choked by Park, DTC, GC and State.