Mar 31, 2008 11:18 pm US/Eastern
State, CSX Talks Halt South Coast Line Development
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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CSX says it will not sell the state the tracks it needs for at least six projects, unless Massachusetts shields the company from any and all lawsuits.
WBZ
Lt. Gov. Tim Murray has had enough. The issue: expanding the commuter rail. Now, the Patrick administration is threatening to sue CSX -- a huge Florida company which owns 400 miles of track in Massachusetts.
The problem is CSX says it will not sell the state the tracks it needs for at least six projects, unless Massachusetts shields the company from any and all lawsuits -- and it doesn't matter if CSX freight trains or drivers are at fault.
Just last week, a CSX freight car broke loose in Canton and collided with an MBTA passenger train. If CSX gets it way, accidents like this would never be the company's fault.
"They want the tax payers to be held responsible," said Murray. "It's unconscionable and its bad public policy."
The south coast plan calls for extending service from Stoughton south through Easton. Most of the track is owned by CSX.
The rail would split south of Taunton and end in New Bedford and Fall River.
Train stations are already being designed.
Local leaders say they waited long enough and the state has to negotiate with CSX. "But on the other hand we are tapping into their lines now," said New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang. "We are using lines for a dual purpose, so the state has to come with something on the table."
In the meantime, the tracks on the south coast are quiet and will probably stay that way for quite a while.
In the past week, WBZ called CSX headquarters in Florida twice for comment about this story, but they never returned our calls.
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