The North-South Rail Link has been under discussion in the Boston region for Decades now. A new 'Rail Vision' process continues the discussion again.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is working through the "Rail Vision" planning process, looking to chart a future for commuter rail in the Boston region, according to an article by Sean Philip Cotter.
Specifically, Rail Vision is "looking at a wide range of options" for the Purple Line, with a goal to produce eight alternatives. Cotter explains some of the possibilities: "Should the Commuter Rail create a reverse-commute system, possibly spurring business growth in the likes of Lynn and Brockton? Should it go with a 'regional rail' approach with much more service, like the subway lines? How big of a price tag would each of these carry, and how much would they drain from other services?"
At least one alternative will include a proposal for a North-South Rail Link, according to Cotter. More details about the politics and economics of regional rail around Boston are included in the article.
FULL STORY: Improvement eyed for Commuter Rail system
Boston Transit Ridership Grows Steadily
Ridership on the region’s commuter rail reached 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels in March.
Transit Plans Change as the Pandemic Lingers
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) this week proposed cuts to public transit service. In a decision that will likely repeat as more transit agencies undertake similar processes, the MBTA decided to prioritize buses over trains.
The Millennials Who Came to Save Public Transit in Boston
Politico makes the team at TransitMatters in Boston nationally famous.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
California Creates Housing-Focused Agency
Previously, the state’s housing and homelessness programs fell under a grabbag department that also regulates the alcohol industry, car mechanics, and horse racing.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Baker Creek Pavilion: Blending Nature and Architecture in Knoxville
Knoxville’s urban wilderness planning initiative unveils the "Baker Creek Pavilion" to increase the city's access to green spaces.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie