Influence of Passenger Rail on the BosWash Megalopolis Corridor ...

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<strong>Influence</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Passenger</strong> <strong>Rail</strong> on the BosWash Megalopolis Corridor Based on these maps it is apparent that there is a trend relating poverty stricken regions to centralized cities, such as Baltimore, Wilmington, and Camden. This socioeconomic issue is going to be a challenge for the future <strong>of</strong> the corridor along with the related problems <strong>of</strong> congestion and sprawl. Conclusion The passenger rail system has influenced the Megalopolis corridor since its development in the 1830’s to its decline starting in the 1920’s. The influence <strong>of</strong> the passenger rail system challenges Gottmann’s initial assumption that overlapping suburban areas formed the Megalopolis corridor. In contrast, it was the rail system that was responsible for strategically developing the corridor’s transportation “skeleton.” Megalopolis is a “transportation corridor” rather than a corridor that formed as a function <strong>of</strong> urban decentralization. The development <strong>of</strong> the passenger rail system provided mobility, interconnectivity, and encouraged growth within the major cities <strong>of</strong> Boston, Providence, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. It was the strategic placement <strong>of</strong> the rail lines that provided a transportation “spine” for which the future highway system developed. Since its decline, alternative modes such as the automobile and air travel have drastically increased. This caused the passenger rail system to continue to suffer from lack <strong>of</strong> funding and decreased ridership (Todorovich and Vallabhajosyula, 2007). Unfortunately, it is the reliance on these alternative modes that cause congestion, sprawl, global warming, socioeconomic clustering, and other Megalopolis corridor challenges for the future. These challenges <strong>of</strong> the Megalopolis corridor must be addressed to maintain an acceptable quality <strong>of</strong> life for its residents. In the future, the passenger rail system would be a 21
<strong>Influence</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Passenger</strong> <strong>Rail</strong> on the BosWash Megalopolis Corridor viable service in order to reduce drivers on the road, promote infill development, and reduce fuel emissions. With adequate funding and increased ridership, the railroad “spine” could re-develop and influence the corridor as it did over a century ago. 22
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Influence of Passenger Rail on the BosWash Megalopolis Corridor ...

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