Within the past couple of weeks, Western Massachusetts suffered a significant defeat. A bill that would have provided a catalyst for a strengthened economy, elevated the standard of living for thousands of people and alleviated traffic congestion for miles around, was defeated.

Specifically, Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed a budget provision that would have required the state to evaluate the efficacy of high-speed commuter rail service to and from Boston.  

While it is not difficult to understand the benefits that would have been conferred on Western Massachusetts had the legislature overturned the veto, it is difficult to comprehend the reasons why the measure would have been so strongly opposed by some, unless you factor self-interest into the equation.  

Surely, this is what motivated Peter Picknelly. As head of a company which has enjoyed for years a monopolistic stranglehold on public transportation between Springfield and Boston, it is not at all surprising that Mr. Picknelly would raise the same fatigued and feckless argument which was advanced by his father in 1970’s, viz, that Peter Pan, as a private company, pays its own way while Amtrak or other rail services are subsidized entities thereby having their rails and operations publicly funded.  

The argument studiously avoids the fact that the federal government through its Highway Trust Fund pays for the turnpike and other interstate highways, i.e., their “rails”, over which its buses travel.

Thus, as a monopoly, it can pack people sardine-style in its buses, fashion inconvenient scheduling with all too many stops forcing inexcusable delays due to highway congestion, and yes, steadily increasing prices for tickets.

Contrast this ongoing nightmare with rail service that is unquestionably more energy efficient, affordable and which would significantly relieve further highway congestion … not to mention increased comfort.  

In short, commuter and/or intercity rail is a vital public service as has been readily recognized throughout Canada, Europe and Asia.

Of equal importance, it would offer an opportunity for those people living here to commute into and/or visit Boston, and would also offer affordable housing alternatives to those working in the Boston area who could not otherwise afford the increasing high cost of living there.  Commuter rail has already opened those alternatives in the Worcester area.  Why not here?

Well, one win for Peter Pan, and mark another one in the loss column for Western Massachusetts.

Thomas A. Kenefick, III  
Springfield