Electric, regional rail would be “an absolute game changer,” says a rail expert, but even 2020 cost estimates top $40 billion.

Dan Zukowski | Smart Cities Dive

One advocacy group says investing in electrifying the commuter rail could mean a faster, more reliable ride and a cleaner environment

Jeff Saperstone | NBC Boston

By shifting from a commuter-focused model to a "regional rail" model, the MBTA's Greenbush, Kingston/Plymouth and Middleborough/Lakeville lines could run trains every 30 minutes, shave 15 minutes off trips into Boston and make public transit a more realistic option for many, a new report suggests.

Colin A. Young | GBH

After today's vote, TransitMatters, the transit advocacy group that has been advocating for frequent, all-day electrified rail service since publishing its "Regional Rail for Metropolitan Boston" report in 2018, issued a press release to applaud the board's decision.

Christian MilNeil | StreetsBlogMASS

Quicker train ‘turns’ would eliminate need for more tracks

Bruce Mohl | Commonwealth Magazine

To mitigate the impact of the construction, the report proposes immediate changes that Jarred Johnson, chief operating officer of TransitMatters, called a “regional rail lite.”

Cyrus Moulton | Telegram & Gazette

The state Senate is backing activists’ efforts to electrify the MBTA’s commuter rail system.

Adam Vaccaro | The Boston Globe

The Fairmount Line is primed to be on the front end of a major commuter rail improvement, according to a new, in-depth report that advocates for an improved “regional rail” network.

Jennifer Smith | Dorchester Reporter

A new report recommends that the state move away from the rush-hour and diesel engine Commuter Rail system and embrace more frequent electric trains on the aging system.

Mike Deehan | GBH