For years Philadelphia was viewed as a money pit, a cesspool dragging down the rest of the state. I would like to think that those days are behind us, but it takes a long time to change entrenched perceptions. However, certain parts of Southeastern Pennsylvania, especially along the Schuylkill River Valley, are viewed as beacons for young people from New Jersey, upstate New York, and especially Pennsylvania to move to. If we are the one shining star in the state, at some point people will realize that our health is good for the state, up to a certain point.

Are you kidding me? When the Penguins crushed the Flyers, I WANTED the Red Wings to sweep them in the finals! While a sweep didn't occur, the Stanley Cup went to Detroit, thankfully. Don't weep for Pittsburgh...their newest Vince Lombardi trophy is still nice and shiny.

On a slightly more serious note, it's worth stating that Pennsylvania's four fastest growing counties are Chester, Pike, Wayne, and Monroe. We can see that New York area people are relocating to PA. Over time, all of these areas will be clamoring for better transportation, including trains.

Finally, I didn't realize the Central Artery tab to Massachusetts taxpayers was going to be THAT high. I was looking forward to new train services to Cape Cod, Fall River, and New Bedford. It looks like MBTA's era as the fastest expanding legacy commuter rail system is over.