End of the Line

Gov. Deval Patrick said today that he wants to get working on a New Bedford-Fall River commuter rail line that not only would bring commuter rail to the SouthCoast, but also move the ginourmous South Boston mail facility (Globe note here).

The deal includes $17.4 million for planning and design. This may not be good news for the commuter rail forces in the area, who are hoping to see the Fitchburg line sped up. If this is Patrick setting a priority, it's not good. It's probably unlikely the state would take on two big commuter rail projects at the same time, if history is any indicator.

Perhaps some pressure from el Federalies and some big Congressional bucks for the Fitchburg line would force the action on Beacon Hill. But if you had dreams of a faster ride coming home on the commuter rail due to state money, you might be dreaming those dreams for a little while longer.