BOSTON, MA, June 1, 2023 – Commuter Rail is at a crossroads. Work schedules have become more flexible, lower-income workers contend with unreliable, expensive, and infrequent trains, traffic increases, and the Commonwealth draws nearer to its 2050 net zero emissions goal. Now is a crucial time to start making progress towards the transformation of the commuter rail system that the MBTA committed to in 2019. To that end, today TransitMatters released Turning Vision into Reality, a report which urges Governor Healey, the Massachusetts Legislature, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to make a concerted effort to advance this transformation.
“The transformation of our commuter rail network is still just as pressing as ever,” said Jarred Johnson, TransitMatters’ executive director. “If we want to spur the needed housing development, tackle congestion, and significantly cut transportation emissions through mode shift, making Regional Rail a reality is a must.”
Regional Rail improvements such as electrification and high platforms allow for significant frequency increases, trip time reductions of up to 50%, and universal accessibility.
Sen. Brendan Crighton praised the report, saying “Our outdated transportation system in Massachusetts fails to meet the diverse needs of our residents today. It's time to modernize our commuter rail and invest in Regional Rail that will create more affordable, sustainable, and reliable service. By embracing this transformation, we can ensure a transportation network that connects communities, reduces traffic congestion, and promotes economic growth.”
The report also urges the MBTA to lower and rationalize Commuter Rail fares to boost ridership. Today’s expensive, inequitable fare system forces lower-income riders into long, less reliable bus trips, while needlessly suppressing ridership in a world where many pre-Covid commuter rail riders work part or full time from home.
“If we want to truly be a Massachusetts for all, few priorities can have more of an impact than an electrified, reliable, fast, and affordable Regional Rail,” added Rep. Andy Vargas. “The status quo $24 round trip from Haverhill to Boston will never attract ridership.”
With the MBTA facing an enormous budgetary shortfall and ridership not fully recovered to pre-COVID levels, it is vital to advance a vision of a high ridership, low cost public transportation system that works for everyone rather than a managed decline. To this end, TransitMatters makes recommendations based on the practices of transit agencies which have successfully managed major projects. Particularly crucial steps are an expanded in-house planning team, permitting reform for environmentally beneficial projects, and standardization of infrastructure wherever possible. Implementing these changes requires consistent funding and oversight from the Massachusetts Legislature.
With the opportunity window to deploy federal infrastructure funding closing, the rezoning of communities along the Commuter Rail, and a supportive administration, now is the best moment to advance this transition. The Commonwealth can shape the future it needs to remain competitive, livable, and affordable. Regional Rail is crucial to doing so; it’s time to move forward.
About TransitMatters: TransitMatters advancespeople-focused and data-driven solutions to advocate for better public transportation and mobility that provides access and opportunities for everyoneacross the Commonwealth, addresses climate change and inequality, and strengthens our economy.