Should the MBTA Expand Commuter Rail Service to Foxborough?

FOXBOROUGH, MA — As it has in past years, a MBTA Commuter Rail stop continues to be a controversial topic for residents of Foxborough and Walpole.

The Boston Globe recently looked at the issue, asking Kara Griffen of the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce and state Senator James Timilty to give their views.

Griffin, the executive director for the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce, argues that having rail service will help bring talent to the area, adding that in a town survey, 66 percent of residents who responded backed the service.

Timily, a state senator who represents Foxborough and Walpole, noted the cost of $84 million and 40 mph trains running through Walpole as his reason for objection. He believes that a Foxborough stop wouldn't increase ridership, but only move current riders to a different stop. Instead of a new rail stop, Timily called for shuttle buses to transport residents to local train stations.

The current plan calls for a 10-month pilot program. The service would take riders from the Gillette Stadium platform in Foxborough to Boston through Walpole before traveling on the Fairmount Line.

How do you feel about rail service? Tell us in the comments section.

Image: File photo