To the editor:
Commuter rail is not just a Newburyport issue, it is a Merrimack Valley issue. It is a Salisbury, Newbury, Amesbury, Seabrook and, for that matter, a southern New Hampshire and southern Maine issue.
A building, which is solar, is more useful as a shelter during the winter months.
Thinking clearly that the whole idea of a commuter rail station-building complex should be thought of in larger terms. The complex would include an entertainment area (playhouse/band/music area), a facility that would also include area for a few fast (healthy) food/restaurant/coffee businesses.
The MBTA and TD Bank are now collaborating and TD Bank is managing North Station. If a larger station (building) is thought about, then maybe TD Bank could possibly manage the complex. A thought possible also to a parking garage.
On the optimistic side, Newburyport commuter rail station was built with a platform and a building much ahead of the Salem and Beverly and Ipswich stops.
Amtrak is now thinking about going to Canada. Where are they laying the tracks? Should Merrimack Valley be talking to Amtrak? I think that you should be talking to the people who are coming from N.H. and Maine and using our parking lots if they want to get on an Amtrak train in Newburyport and go to Canada.
Why is not our public transportation of buses and vans more advertised at the station?
Gail Durell
Amesbury
