A recent study shows that connecting North and South Station by tunnel would cost at least $12 billion, possibly as high as $21.5 billion, depending on the number of tracks. This proposal is in competition with the idea of an expansion of South Station to increase train service to the south and west, which would cost only $4.7 billion.
The $12 billion connection between North and South Station would increase commuter rail ridership to about 225,000, whereas the $4.7 billion South Station enhancements would increase ridership to about 195,000. Read more in the Boston Globe.
Which do you think is a better investment? Vote in our poll and add your comments in the section below.
Note: Web polls are not scientific, representing only those readers who choose to vote.
Interesting poll results…the project with the most support will never happen because of the ridiculous price tag, while the South Station expansion, which abutting residents have repeatedly spoken out against, has already been green-lighted by the BRA! Sadly we lost out on a N-S Rail Link when it was scratched from the original Big Dig design plans to offset the never ending cost overruns.
I agree. The Big Dig injured Boston’s credibility on a national scale. It is known as a symbol of public corruption. Any project like this will be paid for by the people of Massachusetts who are still paying the state portion of the Big Dig debt and will continue to pay for many years to come. Other than that, the City of Boston will have to pay for it. Imagine that in the local City budget. Since the muni bonds won’t likely draw flies, then property taxes would have to pay for the project.