Rail or Trail?

In times of increasing energy costs and growing public awareness of environmental issues rails-to-trails conversion initiatives are facing the argument that the expansion of mass transportation should have priority over recreational use of unused rail corridors. As a result, there is a legitmate conflict of interest between supporters of multi-use trails and supporters of commuter rail expansion over a limited resource - the land that is available in the form of abandoned branch lines.

This is, however, in most cases a superficial conflict. When a more in-depth analysis is done, it becomes apparent that there are common interests, and that in fact rail supporters and trail supporters should join forces to form a more effective alliance.

The Bay Colony branch between Needham and Medfield is a case in point. While there is certainly the possibility of building a multi-use trail in parallel to the existing railroad track (assuming that the corridor is wide enough), there is also a need to differentiate between mid-term and long-term public interests. The possibility for the MBTA to re-establish regular train service to Medfield in the near future appears to be very remote, based on today's political and economic environment. Should we forgo the opportunity to open up the trail for recreational public use in the meantime? We believe not. The MBTA would lease the land to towns at little to no cost for a number of years, while reserving the right to reclaim the land for public transportation use, should the need arise¹.

By moving forward with a trail project, the rail corridor can be put to immediate use. There is no other trail in our area that is safe for bikers, runners, rollerbladers, and walkers. Many of our roads lack sidewalks or are otherwise dangerous to use, particulary for small children. The trail option would provide a much needed facility for exercise and family recreation - while preserving the possibility to expand rail service to Medfield in the future. The possibility of a multi-use trail between Needham and Medfield is real today - rail service is not.

¹This is different from Railbanking. Since the MBTA owns the rail corridor, there are no title issues, and the MBTA would continue to own the land outright.