Quote:
Originally Posted by ctenidae  Unfortunately for trains, the vast majority of track is owned by freight operators. Amtrak gets side-lined a lot. Laying new track for high speed people movers would be great, but very expensive and very exposed to NIMBY-ism. The problem becomes less a lack of support than a surplus of opposition. |
The NIMBY-ism is a huge factor.
In MA, it seems like everone is in favor of expanding commuter rail service. However, any concrete plans invariably result in a breakout of NIMBY-ism all along the proposed route. The Greenbush line was delayed for years, and the cost skyrocketed, due to the opposition of people in the wealthy towns the line would be passing through. They actually ended up having to build an expensive tunnel under Hingham to satisfy the locals. Meanwhile, the efforts to bring commuter rail to New Bedford and Fall River have been stalled for years by local opposition to running the lines through their towns.
Hell, in our area I've seen the NIMBYs defeat things like dog parks, skateboard parks, and bike trails! We're even seeing NIMBYism creeping into ski resorts; such as the opposition by some condo owners to night skiing at SR.