North-South Rail Link

It is clearly understood that at this time there is neither the funding nor the political consensus to move forward on the construction of the North-South Rail Link.  Nevertheless it is vital to protect the alignment (right of way) to preserve the option to build the North-South Rail Link by filing the DEIS/DEIR (draft environmental impact statement/draft environmental impact report) on the project.

The North-South Rail Link is the only way to deal with the looming capacity problems at North and South Stations, as well as crowding issues on the Green Line.  Claims that other projects (Urban Ring bus transit) will have a similar impact are erroneous.

The North-South Rail Link is compatible with the administration's transit-oriented development initiatives.  Additionally, the major beneficiaries of the Rail Link are commuters in the suburbs.  Commuters from the north will have a one-seat ride to the Back Bay.  Commuters from the south will have access to technology centers in the northwest suburbs.

Map of Possible Future Network

The North-South Rail Link will be able to garner significant New England regional support for funding.  Not only will north suburban commuters be able to catch the Amtrak Acela Express in Woburn (at the Anderson Regional Transportation Center), intercity rail travelers from other states will likewise see their access improved.

The crucial need at this point is not to fund or start construction on the North-South Rail Link, but to preserve the right of way by filing the nearly complete DEIS/DEIR for the project.