LtE: A one-sided view of improved rail service

To the Editor:

The main event at last night's special Select Board meeting was a polished and impressive presentation by the Reading Turntrack Committee, who along with most of the audience, are in total opposition to the T's plan to bring 30-minute rail service to our Town. Parts of the presentation were revealing to this supporter of the T's plan, and other content appeared dubious.

If the MBTA decides to abandon its plan to include our Town in its "urban core," residents and businesses will be denied service levels that are widespread throughout the developed world. In that event, it's likely Reading will stay at 45 minutes or even be downgraded to hourly trains. This will harm many of our residents and businesses; some will drive to Wakefield for the better service.

The T has an ambitious plan to roll out Regional Rail but must do this incrementally. Already, the T brought us 45 minute service starting a few years ago. Today the Fairmount and Rockport (Beverly) lines already enjoy 30 minute service. The Haverhill line (to Reading) was to be next. Electrification is in our future.

It is curious that the Select Board provided a one-sided forum for the RTC. Did the Board even consider inviting supporters of this project to make a presentation? Disappointing.

Fred Ehrhardt

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