About the Plan

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has begun a comprehensive evaluation of the Commonwealth’s freight and rail transportation system their operations, and effect on economic development and quality of life. The evaluation will conclude with the publication of two separate documents. The first is a State Freight Plan that will be multi-modal (includes air, rail, truck and maritime transport) and intermodal (transportation by more than one mode, e.g. truck and rail) in its scope, analysis, and recommendations. The second is a comprehensive State Rail Plan that will include a detailed analysis of all rail infrastructure and operations, both freight and passenger.

Study Goals and Objectives

Preliminary goals have been developed to frame the key issues to be addressed in the State Freight and Rail Plan. These goals will be refined with input from a Working Group and stakeholders and be used to identify a set of study objectives for each transportation mode and help shape evaluation criteria. Preliminary goals are:

• Capacity and Operations: Ensure adequate capacity and operational efficiency of the freight and rail system in Massachusetts.
• Economic Development: Support development and a healthy economy through informed investment in the freight and passenger rail system.
• Environmental and Quality of Life: Ensure that improvements to the freight and rail system do not negatively impact the environment and help improve the quality of life for Massachusetts residents.
• Safety and Security: Enhance the safety and security of passenger rail and the freight transportation system in all modes.
• Policy and Decision-making: Provide tools and information to state decision-makers to make informed choices about investment in the freight and passenger rail system in the current transportation funding environment.

Study Outcome

The final outcome of the Plan will be a set of findings and recommendations based on a high-level overview of the current and projected key issues facing the freight and rail industry in Massachusetts. The final report documents will have an implementation plan, with highlighted action steps that identify responsible actors, available funding sources, legislative changes, available resources, and a proposed schedule for implementation of each highlighted action step.