NH Commuter Rail

Recently the blog underwent a major software upgrade.

A new edition to the blog is the Fact Sheet page. This new page is an easy to read web version of a Fact Sheet published by the NHRTA last month. It contains a wealth of information regarding project goals, financial information, project progress and it’s future goals. For a printable version PDF version of the document, head back to the main nhcommuterrail.com website here.

Also, did you know you can subscribe to RSS feeds for this blog? By clicking on the RSS Feed icon in the top right corner, you can get up to date links to the latest stories posted here. It’s a great way to quickly check for updates on the Commuter Rail Project. Here is an example of using the RSS Feed in Firefox.

Also, don’t hesitate to check out some sponsors listed on the right side of the website. Every click helps keep the website up and running!

-Brian Doherty

NHBR.com has recieved a letter from a Eugene Skoropowski, the former chief railroad services officer for the MBTA. In the letter explains how the expiremental service in the early 80’s was very succesful.

On weekends, the one round-trip left Concord at a more civilized hour, allowing visitors and families to take the train and spend a day in Boston. This train was often “sold out” as it left Nashua, and for the first time in decades, the B&M was calling for an extra train to operate from Lowell to Boston, since the packed New Hampshire train would have to run express from Lowell to Boston.

The letter gives a brief history of the service and goes on to explain how returning the Commuter Rail to New Hampshire could be benefitial to our state and the nation as a whole. Head here to read the letter.

-Brian Doherty

Boston.com reports that “riders flock to the T in record numbers”.

In a world of $4-a-gallon gasoline prices, grocery bills that break the family piggy bank, a seemingly endless home foreclosure crisis, and rising anxiety about the unsettled state of the US economy, there is at least one winner: the MBTA.

In fiscal 2008, according to numbers to be released today by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, nearly 375 million people took public transportation, 21 million more riders than the state agency had in fiscal 2007, a 6 percent leap and the highest ridership total in the agency’s 44-year history.

The rise in usage of public transportation is becoming increasingly evident. Let’s hope the restoration of Commuter Rail service to New Hampshire happens as quickly as possible. Head here to read the rest of the story.

-Brian Dohert

There has been many articles posted from various sources over the past month pertaining to the Commuter Rail Project.

Derry News - Commuter rail advocates find they have ally in governor

“Re-establishing rail in New Hampshire is critical to our future economic growth as a state,” Lynch said. “It will help protect the environment and improve the overall quality of life in our state. That is why it is important we work together and take the necessary steps to bring commuter rail back to New Hampshire.

Eagle Tribune - State ready to invest $10 million for rail stop in Plaistow Would link Haverhill and Southern N.H

The state is close to spending $10 million to extend the commuter rail line from Haverhill to Plaistow, N.H., said Baddour, D-Methuen. A state transportation bond bill includes the money for the project, which has been discussed since March. Baddour said he expects the money to receive approval from all legislative groups that review it, as well as Gov. Deval Patrick.

Nashua Telegraph -Train station would add to retail project

The fact that the builder is delaying construction while the state is moving faster than predicted on commuter rail means a rail station at Nashua Landing is once again a viable proposition, and we hope the developers will work with the city to revive the idea.

As always, all the articles are great reads. As you can see, activity on the Commuter Rail project is advancing on multiple fronts. Reiterate your support for the project by contacting your local and state representatives!

-Brian Doherty

The Tampa Tribune, a Florida news paper, is advocating for more train service, not only in their own state, but nationially as well.

U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown of Jacksonville, head of a House subcommittee on railroads, pipelines and hazardous materials, says California, Texas and Illinois are already lining up for rail projects.

Unless the governor and Legislature take the lead fast, she warns that Florida “might be left in the dust.”

Florida needs a rail network that links every major city and international airport, plus bus lines that tie every mid-sized city to the system. It is essential that it immediately find a way to offer regular rail service between Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Miami.

The big crowds suddenly showing up at Florida train stations are strong evidence that travelers know something most politicians in Tallahassee don’t. For safe, inexpensive travel, you can’t beat a train.

It is a very good read. This article serves as yet another example that the rest of the nation realizes that train service is vital to our future, and that New Hampshire needs to hop on board. Click here to read the rest.

-Brian Doherty

New Hampshire has put out an official press release indicating that Governor Lynch has signed into law HB1404. HB1404 was a bill that caps the state’s liability at $75 million.

“Re-establishing rail in New Hampshire is critical to our future economic growth as a state. It will help protect the environment and improve the overall quality of life in our state. That is why it is important we work together and take the necessary steps to bring commuter rail back to New Hampshire,” Gov. Lynch said. “I am pleased sign this important piece of legislation into law so we can continue the progress we have already made in returning rail to New Hampshire.”

Read the rest of the press release here.

-Brian Doherty 

An article on MSNBC.com has provided some important statistics about our nations transit systems.

Transportation experts who have pushed mass transit since the 1970s are getting their wish as soaring gas prices persuade Americans to abandon their cars for buses and trains in record numbers. But as the adage says, be careful what you wish for.

Mass transit ridership is at its highest point in 50 years, according to research by the American Public Transportation Association. For many riders, it just got too expensive to drive.

Obviously, the demand for more public transportation is rising. Hopefully, the New Hampshire legislature will hop on board completely in finding a way to return commuter rail service to the state. Head here for the rest of the article.

-Brian Doherty

An article posted at Progressive Railroading highlights the fuel efficiency of using rail over trucks to transport freight.

Since 1980, railroads have reduced fuel consumption by 48 billion gallons and carbon dioxide emissions by 538 million tons — making railroads about four times more fuel efficient than trucks, the AAR said.

Head here to read the rest of the article.

-Brian Doherty

The New Hampshire Senate has passed bill HB1404, the Liability Cap legislation. The bill passed 15-8, and is a crucial step in bringing back the Commuter Rail to New Hampshire. Governor Lynch has promised to sign the bill into law.

The Nashua Telegraph has posted an article that includes a description of the bill and some commentary from Senators.

-Brian Doherty

Yet another editorial has been published over at the Nashua Telegraph’s website. This time, urging the Senate to pass the Liability Cap (Bill HB 1404).

Senate passage would be a huge step forward for the project, and Lynch has indicated he will sign the bill. However, a few barriers remain.

Imposing a liability cap is a complex proposition. And, as can be expected, all of the involved parties are looking out for their own self-interests. Still, passenger rail service is not a new thing. The New Hampshire cap is based squarely on the MBTA model.

…..In this case, Nashuans have been waiting almost 40 years for a commuter train to pull back into town. The current liability cap solution is a compromise, but it is a good one.

The Senate should pass it so we can look forward to seeing the trains back in Nashua by 2010.

The passing of HB1404 vital to the commuter rail effort. Head over to the “Get Involved” page to find out who your local senator is, and urge them to vote yes on HB1404! As with most editorials posted online, there is a fair amount of discussion in the comments section below the article. Head here to read up on the rest of the article.