Mayor participates in discussion to electrify Commuter Rail

  Mayor Carlo DeMaria recently met with U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and fellow municipal and state leaders to discuss the electrification of the Commuter Rail. DeMaria was joined by Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill, Salem Mayor Kimberly Driscoll, former Lynn Mayor Thomas McGee and representatives from Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo’s office. The meeting was moderated by State Senator Brendan Crighton. He was joined by State Representatives Paul Tucker, Jessica Giannino and Sally Kerans. Also in attendance were representatives from U.S. Senator Ed Markey’s office and Congressman Seth Moulton’s office. The purpose of the April 22 meeting was to identify ways in which leaders at the federal, state and local level can collaborate to increase the availability of Commuter Rail options in Eastern Massachusetts and the Northeast corridor of the Commonwealth.

  All the elected officials agreed on the benefits that could be realized across the region with the expansion of Commuter Rail and the addition of infill stations along the corridor. Warren noted the potential to create additional housing opportunities with the expansion of rail options. DeMaria stated that trains pass through Everett, but its residents don’t get the benefit of that transportation option. The mayor also shared with the group the important environmental benefits that come from reducing reliance on motor vehicle travel by giving residents an option for cleaner, electric rail options.

  The group has been meeting over the past several months to collectively advocate for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the MBTA to develop a strategic plan for the expansion of transit options. The group agreed to continue with these advocacy efforts to take advantage of the historical level of federal funds available to the Commonwealth. Both Warren and representatives from Markey’s office agreed to continue to advocate for federal funds to support transit options.