Tuesday's News

Trains, State Funding and Being Green. That sums up this morning's news round-up.

A Letter to the Editor of The Boston Globe from the Executive Director of the MBTA's Advisory Board leads today's news. Paul Regan wrote in response to last week's articles about the Big Dig's budget excess. During the project, the T received commitment to pay off some elements. Now the T is in its own budgetary crisis, so Regan is calling on the state to intervene.

Amtrak's Downeaster train service, operating between Portland, ME and Boston, is reporting record ridership gains. Daily, 947 passengers take the train between the two port cities. Ticket revenue has grown 33% in 2008, attributed to the rising cost of gas. The Downeaster operates five round-trips daily and they are looking to add a sixth trip.

Finally, a little late to the game, The Globe ran an article on the front page of its Business section about 4-day work weeks.