Lawmaker praises plan for 2nd commuter rail; Naughton sees new benefits on many levels.

Byline: John J. Monahan

State Rep. Harold P. Naughton Jr., D-Clinton, yesterday praised state officials for exploring the possibility of establishing a second commuter rail route from Worcester to North Station in Boston. He said a possible stop in Clinton could help revitalize that city's downtown, relieve traffic congestion and spur new transit-oriented housing along the route.

Mr. Naughton said the idea of establishing a new commuter rail link from Worcester to Boston through West Boylston, Clinton and Lancaster that would pick up the existing Fitchburg commuter tracks in Ayer holds the possibility of benefits on many levels.

"In concept, I think it is a great idea. We've got the train depot and the tracks right in the center of Clinton. There is property around there that could be fixed up there, and it is something that could relieve traffic congestion on Route 495," he said, noting traffic during commuter hours gets worse every day. "I think it's a tremendous idea, and I compliment the administration for its forward thinking."

State transportation officials began evaluating the plan last fall and recently conducted a physical inspection of the existing freight rail route and rail bed and determined it has the potential for use by passenger trains. The studies come as part of a larger statewide planning effort by the Patrick administration over how the state can better use existing freight lines to expand passenger rail service.

While that has led to a decision to further pursue possible development in conjunction with the MBTA, an administration source said some upgrades would be needed as well as agreements with the Pan Am Railroad, which owns the existing track, to share the line with freight service.

Mr. Naughton said the proposal comes at a time when the Clinton and Boylston area has seen its traditional bus service to Worcester trimmed from many buses daily to a single bus in the morning and afternoon. He said WRTA cutbacks planned for later this year could eliminate the bus altogether in favor of a call shuttle service between Clinton and Worcester.

Also, he said, if train service were developed, the towns along the line, including Clinton, could benefit from preferential state development opportunities for transit-oriented housing that could also help revitalize Clinton's town center.

"This has the potential to revitalize the town's center and the economy as well as provide environmental improvements," Mr. Naughton said.

State officials and Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray said so far no time frames have been established to advance the project, which will undergo further planning and feasibility studies in the coming months.