Commuter Rail Information and Photo Tour
			ABOUT THE SYTEM - Boston's MBTA operates an exetensive and expanding Commuter Rail network all around the area. The commuter rail network has continued to grow since the 1980's with new lines and more service. The network radiates out of Boston from North and South Stations total track miles of over 200. Out of North Stations routes run to Rockport, Haverhill, Lowell, Ipswich,  Fitchburg, and other desitinations. Southern and Western routes out of South Station head for Plymouth, Kingston, Middleboro, Stoughton, Providence, Franklin, Worchester Needham and other destinations. Many of the routes are owned by the State, but some are owned by Guildford in the north and CSX, and Amtrak in the south. All of the commuter trains are operated by Amtrak crews and use diesel push pull equipment. A variety of rolling stock exists in the form of locomotives and cars. The most common engines are the F40PH, and the rebuilt cowl GP40MC. A few GP 9's exist and one has been repainted into the old maroon Boston and Maine scheme and can been see switching around the staions if you are lucky. The older cars are sigel level commuter cars similar to what an Amtrak Horizon car would look like. Several sets of german built commuter cars, also single level as well as new double deck cars make up the fleet. HISTORY - The commuter rail network has evolved from the commuter trains operated by the Boston and Maine, New Haven, and Boston and Albany Railroads. The Boston and Maine operated an extensive network of routes out of North Station. The New Haven and Boston and Albany operated out of South Station. As cars began to make inroads on the commuter network cutbacks were made. One of the biggest was when the Southest Expresway opened, was the end of service on the Old Colony routes on the south shore. Over the years the New Haven and Boston and Albany wound up in Penn Central. The Boston and Maine rolled onweard even though that road was also troubled. The B&M was famous for it's fleet of 'Buddliners" the RDC's that were self propelled. (RDC - Rail Desiel Car). As freight railroads began to get out of the passenger business, the newly created MBTA began to oversee and help fund Boston's commuter rail network. The railroads operated the commuter trains on thier own tracks with MBTA funding. The Boston and Miane was eventually contracted to operated all of Bostons's communter trains In the 1970's it looked bleak but by the 1980's traffic conjestion increased, more people began to ride the train. After several strikes by the B&M the MBTA awarded a contract to Amtrak to operate the commuter rail network ending an era of B&M in the commuter business. At the same time the MBTA was successfull and getting funding and new equipment. Eventually new lines were opened, expanded and service increased  Even on the Old Colony service was restored1997 where no rail service had existed since 1959. Today the commuter rail network continues to grow, as does the ridership.
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