Rail news for your Tuesday morning:
— As part of its ongoing effort to double-track the route used by Coaster commuter trains and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, the San Diego Association of Governments has completed a second bridge across the San Diego River, creating a 7-mile stretch of uninterrupted double track between the Santa Fe depot downtown and Garnet Avenue/Balboa Avenue. KGTV reports the first train crossed the bridge just before 6 a.m. on Monday.
— The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is facing a $93-million budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1, which may mean the agency can’t afford to begin work on its planned “transformation” including increased commuter-rail frequency. The Boston Globe reports that chief administrative officer David Panagore told a Monday meeting of the board overseeing the MBTA that the agency “cannot afford all $160 million” needed to begin the new programs.
— Regional officials have told the Massachusetts Department of Transportation that the proposed East-West commuter rail service could generate more than 500,000 commuter trips a year, far higher than the state’s own estimate. MassLive.com reports the state will adjust its numbers, extending the area that could attract riders from 20 miles around stations to 40 or more miles. Earlier this month, MassDOT released six options for building the service, ranging from $2 billion to $25 billion.
Massachusetts should fix the financial problems it now faces before it starts new service that will only add to its woes.
“The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is facing a $93-million budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1, which may mean the agency can’t afford to begin work on its planned “transformation” including increased commuter-rail frequency. “Surprise, surprise, surprise!!”