News of the dormant (ex-New Haven) line to Falmouth, Massachusetts, which had been set aside for future commuter service by the state. Looks like they have caved to trails interests and it will be destroyed. Note the relative costs of construction for rail vs. trail. Not much difference considering their potential value as a transportation corridor. All-weather at 60 mph, vs. fair weather at 5 mph. Which is the better deal?

Falmouth destruction
ryarger@rypn.org

> News of the dormant (ex-New Haven) line to
> Falmouth, Massachusetts, which had been set
> aside for future commuter service by the
> state. Looks like they have caved to trails
> interests and it will be destroyed. Note the
> relative costs of construction for rail vs.
> trail. Not much difference considering their
> potential value as a transportation
> corridor. All-weather at 60 mph, vs. fair
> weather at 5 mph. Which is the better deal?

Hi,

In 1989 I spent the summer in Woods Hole which was just down the line. In fact, at one point the rail line stretched to Woods Hole where you would catch the ferry to Martha's Vineyard. Step off the train onto the ferry. Apparently, Penn Central abandoned the 5 mile stub end from Falmouth to Woods Hole in the early 70's and it became a Bike trail in 1976. I remember seen the Bicentenial Commission plates somewhere on the trail. Also in 1989 I saw them building a new station platform at Falmouth and lamented the lack of service. Apparently the renovations were all for nought.

The point is that I think it was a mistake to abandon the end at Woods Hole. My guess is that ridership had dropped further because of the inconvenance. At Falmouth, you had to get off the train and walk through town a couple of blocks to reach a private (?) ferry. In other words, pennywise - pound foolish.

Oh well. That said, the bike path is a real asset to the community because the roads are narrow and the cars zip down curvy roads at 45 mph. I was almost run down several times that summer.

Living in upstate NY, I would have preferred that they rebuild it back to Woods Hole or maintain it to Falmouth. But all in all, at least the bike path will maintain the corridor and will be extend the ride even further. Who know, maybe one day it may be built back.

Now, on to the rebuilding Lackwanna Cutoff. I can't wait to ride from Binghamton to NYC with Phoebe Snow.

Charles

bg23338@binghamton.edu