There’s a new push to restore MBTA Commuter Rail service between Boston and Cape Cod. It comes with reconstruction of Sagamore Bridge in the works and gas prices pushing higher and higher.
“With all the traffic just trying to get over the bridges right now, it’s a great opportunity for more people to get out to the Cape and experience it,” said Eric Shade, who owns and operates a food truck at the train station in Bourne.
Daily rail service to and from the Cape ended more than 60 years ago. State and local leaders are now asking the MBTA to run a train between the Buzzards Bay station and the one in Middleborough. They say the tracks would not require any upgrades.
“Rail service would remove thousands of cars off the road, reduce emissions and provide critical transportation options to Cape an Islands residents,” Sen. Dylan Fernandes said.
Five years ago, MassDOT said the extension would cost $67 million. It found the travel time from Boston to Buzzard Bay would be 93 minutes with as many as 1,700 daily passengers. The daily commuter line would end in Bourne, before the Cape Cod Canal.
“Right now, DOT does run the Cape Cod Flyer, which is important, but we’ll take a look at it,” said Gov. Maura Healey.
The Cape Cod Flyer is seasonal rail service that terminates in Hyannis. It’s grown in popularity and that’s why some people say the Cape needs more train service.
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Source: News – Boston – necn
