LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Tim Murray’s focus on the Grand Junction link between Allston and the commuter rail maintenance facility in Somerville is a sound investment of public dollars into the existing commuter rail system. Like other initiatives championed by Murray, including WiFi on commuter rail passenger coaches, expanded rail service to and from Worcester, and the New Bedford-Fall River rail link, the use of resources to upgrade Grand Junction infrastructure that is vital to the safe, reliable, and passenger-friendly operation of commuter rail is prudent and wise.
The Grand Junction plays an unheralded but critically vital role in the commuter rail system, allowing for movement of locomotives and coaches in need of repair from South Station to the Somerville facility. The spur has long been overdue for upgrades.
Considering the region’s transportation demands and needs, it is sensible for the MBTA to explore whether commuter rail customers living west of Boston would use a Worcester-to-North Station passenger service. Any potential new service that would entice commuters from their cars into a commuter rail coach is worth exploring.
James F. O’Leary
Chairman Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. Boston
The writer was general manager of the MBTA between 1981 and ’89. 
