DARTMOUTH – Gov. Deval Patrick today announced a plan to bring commuter rail service to Massachusetts’ South Coast by 2016.
“For nearly 20 years, Massachusetts governors have promised the residents of Southeastern Massachusetts access to the transit system that links the cities and towns of eastern Massachusett. … I am here today to end the talking and get to work,” Patrick said.
The South Coast Rail project would bring passenger rail service from Boston’s South Station to Fall River and New Bedford. “This administration is fully committed to bringing rail access to the South Coast,” said Patrick, whose statement described the area as one of the commonwealth’s fastest growing.
The project requires local communities to work with the state “to develop a sustainable land-use plan that fosters further job growth and boosts ridership,” the statement said.
“Commuter rail service generates meaningful transportation, economic and environmental benefits to the communities it serves,” said Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen. Having commuter rail service is expected to improve air quality by reducing automobile use, improve Boston area workers’ access to affordable housing and help South Coast communities attract private investment.
The administration estimated the total cost at $1.4 billion and said it has made an initial bonding commitment of $17.2 million that will cover costs through fiscal 2010.
Additional information about the project will soon be available at a new Web site, www.southcoastrail.com, where the public also will be able to review project developments and share opinions, Patrick’s office said.
