Pols & Politics: Baker flips position on tracks to Gillette

[unhappycamper]

http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_politics/2015/06/pols_politics_baker_flips_position_on_tracks_to_gillette



Pols & Politics: Baker flips position on tracks to Gillette
Matt Stout
June 21, 2015

As the snow piled up and the MBTA stumbled to a halt last winter, Gov. Charlie Baker continually emphasized the need to focus on improving the tracks and infrastructure the state already has, not pushing to expand it.

Among his targets: the state’s $23 million plan — hatched in the waning days of the Patrick administration — to buy rail tracks and clear the way for daily service from Boston to Gillette Stadium.

~snip~

Fast forward to last Wednesday, when MassDOT — under Baker — bought the new tracks.

The apparent reversal, Baker said, happened for a “bunch of reasons.” He emphasized that purchasing the 21-mile rail line gives officials back-up track along the Worcester line in the case of any problems or serious delays. MassDOT also framed it as a way to use more freight trains, which means fewer trucks on the road.