Budget Amendment ID: FY2018-S3-1009-R1

Redraft TRP 1009

North South Rail Link Study

Messrs. Eldridge, McGee and O'Connor, Ms. Creem and Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section XX, the following new section:-

"SECTION XX.  Any study conducted by the Department of Transportation on the proposed North South Rail Link shall include:

(a) a review of the most efficient and cost effective railroad equipment and operating practices among the service plans evaluated, reflecting global best practices. An assessment of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) and Bi-Modal Multiple Unit (BMU) technologies for their impact on service quality, operating cost, station design and ridership. An evaluation of emerging technologies that may reduce the cost and environmental impact of providing electrified service;

(b) updated ridership models that reflect new and emerging technologies and modal options not in existence when the travel models were last calibrated in 2009-2011, including “last mile” ride-sharing services, autonomous vehicles and high quality rail services;

(c) quantifying the potential economic impact of modern, unified regional rail service integrated with urban transit in Boston, across the entire service area of the existing system, and not limited to the urban core. This analysis shall address the following factors: transit oriented development opportunities near rail stations; impact on residential and commercial property values and related municipal tax revenue; impact on Gateway Cities, including the likelihood of new investment, employment access, and poverty reduction; impact on regional tourism due to enhanced access to sites beyond the urban core; impact on strategic economic growth, including enhanced access to housing, jobs and employees and impacts on recruiting, compensation, retention and productivity; impact on poverty reduction due to improved access to employment and affordable housing, and the economic value of such poverty reduction;

(d) quantifying the projected air quality impacts of each service plan, including greenhouse gas reduction, particulates and other toxins, and the economic value of any reduction, a health impact assessment estimating the health impact from each service plan, and related cost impacts, including mortality, asthma, cancer, diabetes and stress, whether these can be directly monetized or not;

(e) an identification of any opportunities for phasing of construction and electrification, based on the business case. An evaluation of the potential value and cost savings of using clean fill from the tunnel and station excavation to raise the grade and improve the flood resiliency of development sites near the portals; and

(f) an independent peer review upon 25% completion."