MBTA Press Conference Wrap-up

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Sen. Kerry, Rep. McGovern and Lt. Gov. Murray ended up riding the train into Boston, as it made it to Worcester on time.

Here’s the takeaway:

• Worcester-Boston gets 5 more daily round trips, timed perfectly for commuters into Boston.
• The trains are added regardless of the negotiations over liability, which are ongoing. If an agreement isn’t reached, the CSX tracks will not be purchased by the state, but the trains will still come to Worcester
• The state will work on increasing clearance under bridges, allowing CSX to run double-height freight cars
• New morning schedule as of the end of the month.  Some new trains, some extended from Framingham.  Outbound to South Station(new and old combined): 4:45(arrives 6:31); 5:40(7:08); 6:05(7:46); 6:30(8:11); 6:55(8:23); 7:35(9:08).  Inbound to Worcester from Boston: 2:40(arrives 4:13); 4:05(5:24); 5:00(6:20); 5:35(7:13); 6:21(7:34); 7:15(8:52)
• This is a three (or four) stage deal.  Initially, trains get added.  A full deal, should everything be worked out, would include: A total of $100,000,000 to CSX from the state; an agreement on liability and indemnity; a relocation of CSX operations from Beacon Yard Park (to Central Mass, potentially) and the state taking over the Boston Main Line; the state acquiring the CSX New Bedford-Fall River line; EOT and CSX raising bridge clearances, allowing CSX to run double height freight cars; additional trains to Worcester in the future as elements such as CSX relocations take place; CSX “will reserve an exclusive perpetual easement for freight operations and Amtrak service over the properties being transferred.”

updated at 2:22pm

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Tags: commuter rail, csx, MBTA