SouthCoast Rail: governor candidates support it; new advocacy group

The proposed South Coast Rail project is intended to provide new MBTA commuter rail service from Boston to Taunton, New Bedford and Falls River.

As the current Massachusetts governor, a supporter of the project, is not running for re-election, many were curious to see if the candidates for next governor would support the project.

Recent press reports state the both the republican and the democratic candidate support it.
Even though the Republican candidate was against it in 2010 and he advocates for a repeal of a new law automatically linking future increases in the state gas tax to the rate of inflation (which could possibly be one source of future funding for the project), he says he supports South Coast Rail now, see following reports:

In New Bedford, candidates talk commuter rail, fishing
Posted Sep. 29, 2014 @ 3:39 pm
By Andy Metzger
http://salem.wickedlocal.com/article/20140929/News/140926435#140926435/?Start=1&_suid=141278967664108521079660286815

Coakley blames Baker for Making Empty Promises about South Coast Rail Project
October 1 - 12:04
Submitted by Robin Barone on 2014
http://newsmaine.net/20857-coakley-blames-baker-making-empty-promises-about-south-coast-rail-project

Coakley: Baker can't be trusted on rail project
Posted: Oct 01, 2014 12:54 AM
Updated: Oct 01, 2014 12:54 AM
http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/26670435/coakley-baker-cant-be-trusted-on-rail-project

In addition, an advocacy group called "Rail To Boston Alliance" has formed, and created a website at http://www.railtoboston.com

The also held a rally in Boston on September 17, 2014, see following report:

Taunton mayor joins South Coast Rail proponents at Boston rally
Posted Sep. 17, 2014 @ 4:58 pm
Updated Sep 18, 2014 at 10:27 AM
By Gerry Tuoti
http://www.tauntongazette.com/article/20140917/News/140916433#140916433/?Start=1&_suid=141279188517403959368558635383

The advocacy group keeps adding new members:

Boston group joins fight for South Coast Rail
September 26, 2014 12:00 AM
By By SIMÓN RIOS
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140926/NEWS/409260341

Some might be curious if with a new administration in the state and so much support it will actually happen that in 10 years or so, after decades, regular passenger rail will finally reach Taunton, New Bedford and Falls River once again.

And the NIMBY's are just getting warmed up.

NIMBYs and other complications have already driven the projected cost to the $2 billion range and limited the utility of the project by restricting the extent of proposed double track/passing sidings. Quite unfortunate, IMHO, as the concept of establishing passenger rail service between Boston and Fall River/New Bedford seems at least fairly appealing. However, I question whether it has $2 billion worth of appeal, given the many other unfunded rail/transit projects in the Boston region.