MassINC: Building near commuter rail could transform cities
Vacant land surrounding commuter rail stops in Gateway Cities has the potential to house approximately 140,000 people and create a similar number of new jobs. But improvements to commuter rail service is required to encourage development in these areas, according to a study being released Tuesday by the MassINC think tank. At the same time, the study finds, investment in real estate could spur more ridership. “In order to get the most from the billions of dollars we commit to operating commuter rail along these right-of-ways, it’s critical to think about what mix of policies could spur reinvestment in these older urban areas,” said MassINC research director Ben Forman.