Opinion 1: Blocking Progress On The Rails

Click title for full story. Monday, 26 May 2008 By Timothy P. MurraySpecial to the Worcester Business Journal With gasoline approaching $4 a gallon and diesel fuel already surpassing it, we need to make better use of our rail system in Massachusetts to give commuters more options and to help take trucks off the road. To that end, the Patrick-Murray administration is working on several fronts, including a statewide rail plan to help maximize usage of our rail assets. As part of our rail strategy, we are also working to conclude a major transaction with the railroad company CSX that would expand commuter rail service on the Worcester line, facilitate commuter rail service for the South Coast, and enhance freight rail service throughout the Commonwealth. This plan, which is nearly finalized, remains stalled because of CSX’s untenable demand for a no-fault liability standard on the Worcester line.