Transportation Forum Highlights Southcoast Rail

A panel of transportation officials weighed in on ongoing and planned projects on the Southcoast and throughout the state Thursday afternoon.

Representatives from SRPEDD, SRTA, MBTA, and Southcoast Rail briefed the public on the challenges they face and what can be expected in the near future in terms of progress.

Jean Fox, manager of the Southcoast Rail project, says commuter rail expansion is a reliable alternative to highway travel.

The forum revolved mostly around Southcoast Rail and Boston's "green line" service.

Fox says aside from the bickering on Beacon Hill, Southcoast Rail needs only six more permits to be given the green light. The EPA is currently reviewing the project.