RICHARD – AFTER DECADES OF PROMISES COULD SOUTH COAST RAIL BECOME SOUTH COAST…BUS? REALLY?

Southeastern Massachusetts could be on the verge of yet another royal screwing at the hands of the hacksters who earn their keep on the public dole. After more than two dozen years of empty promises it appears the state could decide to forgo any plans for commuter rail to Boston and instead give us a bus as a consolation prize. A BUS!

The MASSDOT Financial Management Control Board, appointed a year ago by Governor Charlie Baker, was expected to vote to begin the review of the more cost effective Middleboro route, now widely backed as an alternative to the brutally expensive Stoughton route but instead decided to investigate again the idea of a dedicated bus line between Southeastern Massachusetts and Boston. Those in attendance were stunned by the announcement.

The FMCB's decision is insulting to a region that cannot even access the state capitol by public transportation yet pays the bills for all those who can.  Statewide elected officials have played local taxpayers like fiddles on this for years. The area legislative delegation has also let us down.

The people of Southeastern Massachusetts have been patient too long. Governor Charlie Baker and his Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollock can and should take control of this process and immediately authorize the review of the Middleboro route. Anything less would be unacceptable.