TrainRiders/NE's Wayne Davis Joins Others Testifying Before Boston City Council on Proposed North-South Rail Link
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- Published: 31 July 2019 31 July 2019
The long-discussed North-South Rail Link Project is in the news again as Boston’s City Councilors search for solutions to Boston’s transportation problems with trains, busses and automobiles. TrainRiders Northeast was asked to attend the Boston City Councils Mondays meeting of the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation since TNE has been a supporter of linking the stations since our founding in 1989. Wayne Davis served on Massachusetts Governor Weld’s Citizen’s Rail Link Advisory Committee for over five years working with Representative John Bussinger from the Massachusetts General Assembly and many others including Amtrak management and multi-state rail transportation officials.
While the project ultimately came to a halt for a variety of reasons – former representative Bussinger and former Governor Michael Dukakis have kept the project alive since then and with the current confusion and breakdowns with the cities transit lines – the desire to link both stations to increase efficiency would allow through train service between north and south points has been revived.
In testimony, Chairman Davis quoted from his 1989 statement on the need for the link.
"With both the North Station and South Station terminals operating at close to maximum capacity at all hours, growth in rail service throughout New England is seriously compromised without the Rail Link. Closing this century-old break in our rail system will transform what is now a 19th-century stub-end terminal system into a modern, efficient and convenient run-through system that can accommodate growth well into this century. The entire New England region will benefit economically and environmentally when we are united with the rest of the national passenger rail system. When the link is built, no longer will it be said you can’t get there from here."
Monday's meeting was attended by TNE board member Fred Smith from Everett, MA, accompanied by TNE Chairman Wayne Davis. The evening meeting included Former MA Governor Michael Dukakis, former MA Representative Bussinger, Joseph Aiello, Northeast Coordinator for the Rail Passengers Association, formerly the National Association of Rail Passengers and Clay Schofield from the Cape Cod Commission and others seated as a panel to do brief presentations and to be available to answer questions from Councilors and the general public.
Chairman Davis' comments start at 11:30 into the hearing.
Progress in NH for Commuter Rail
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- Published: 20 July 2019 20 July 2019
Year after year, NH rail advocates have tried but failed to access federal money to analyze the viability of passenger rail service from Boston to Nashua and Manchester (Dover, Durham and Exeter are already served by the Maine-sponsored Amtrak Downeaster).
This year is different - strong support in the Legislature and no veto from the governor's office!
The following is from Bob Hall, TrainRiders/NE's Vice-Chair and long-time advocate for expanded passenger rail service in the Granite State.
July 2019 marked the first signs by the State of New Hampshire of support for the return of rail passenger service to the Merrimack Valley communities of Nashua and Manchester. Trainriders/Northeast along with many other local and state organizations, businesses residents and elected officials as well as educational communities have long advocated for such service.
Senate Bill 241 after affirmative votes in both the New Hampshire House and Senate was allowed to become law by Governor Chris Sununu without his signature. This action will allow policymakers to make informed decisions as steps are taken to restoring passenger rail. No money will be used from the New Hampshire General fund rather this bill allows New Hampshire DOT to use the state's abundance of highway toll credits.
Several Downeaster Stories in the Press
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- Published: 14 July 2019 14 July 2019
We've recently seen two stories that warrant sharing on our website.
First, a possible stop in West Falmouth has been discussed by Falmouth town councilors and NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn. Councilors were reported to be eager to explore the addition of a train platform. It would be located adjacent to the West Falmouth Crossing shopping center. The story appeared in the Press Herald. Go here for the details.
Further down the line, the Town of Exeter is considering charging for parking at their train station. It's been free since the Downeaster service began in December of 2001. Needless to say, the proposal has caused considerable concern among many of the passengers. More on this story in SeacoastOnLine.
Both stories are also on our Facebook page, where you're invited to comment.
Wayne Davis Hosts Apprentice Chef as She Starts 21-City 'Amazing Restaurants Tour' on Amtrak
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- Published: 06 July 2019 06 July 2019
Each rider on the Amtrak Downeaster has a unique story to tell - and so does Madison Butler.
Recently, Wayne Davis of TrainRiders/NE hosted apprentice chef 'Madi' Butler on a short trip from Portland to Freeport as she began her fascinating food search via Amtrak. It's a 50-day adventure, visiting 21 cities under the auspices of the Rail Passengers Association (RPA). It began in Maine and will end in California.
President Trump Threatens to Veto the Transportation Bill Because of Increased Amtrak Funding!!!
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- Published: 19 June 2019 19 June 2019
From the Rail Passengers Association:
