No commuter rail for Plaistow

The state Department of Transportation (DOT) recently completed a federally-funded study of a commuter rail connecting Plaistow to Haverhill, Massachusetts.  The study concluded there was not enough state and local support for the rail.

In March Plaistow rail opponents placed an article on the town ballot asking residents if they support a commuter rail.  A majority of voters opposed the rail.

After the town vote, the Executive Council and Plaistow Selectmen both voted against commuter rail development in Plaistow.

Plaistow rail opponents were concerned about noise and diesel fumes, especially from Massachusetts trains idling overnight. 

However, Plaistow officials originally supported the rail as a way to decrease traffic congestion and stimulate the economy.

Commuter rail supporters still hope for a rail connecting Nashua, New Hampshire to Massachusetts.  In November 2014 the New Hampshire Rail Transit Authority (NHRTA) estimated that Nashua commuter rail would bring 1,200 new jobs and 600 new housing units to New Hampshire by 2030.

However, the state would need to provide $4 million each year in funding.  Many policymakers question whether a Nashua commuter rail would really stimulate the economy enough to offset its price tag.