$100 million Massachusetts deal expected to boost commuter rail service

With a deal reached, the state plans to take over those tracks in 2011, giving the MBTA the ability to run more trains between the state’s two largest cities, said Murray, who has championed the issue since he was mayor of Worcester earlier this decade. It also allows the T to maintain the tracks and control train traffic, in hopes of improving service on one of its most popular but least reliable lines. A CSX spokesman, Bob Sullivan, would not confirm the 2011 turnover date, but said company officials would like to complete it as soon as possible. The $100 million would be raised through state borrowing from previously authorized transportation bonds.

The deal also gives the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority control of the right of way needed to build the New Bedford-Fall River line and several properties around Boston that could improve service in and out of South Station.