Local leaders and community advocates are calling for the restoration of daily MBTA Commuter Rail service between Boston and Cape Cod. With the reconstruction of the Sagamore Bridge underway and gas prices on the rise, many see this as an opportune moment to reintroduce the service.

Eric Shade, a local food truck owner at the Bourne train station, expressed enthusiasm for the potential increase in visitors to the Cape. “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,” he said.

Daily rail service to and from Cape Cod ended over 60 years ago. Now, state and local leaders are urging the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to consider a train route between the Buzzards Bay station and Middleborough. According to these leaders, the existing tracks would not require any upgrades, making the proposal more feasible.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Senator Dylan Fernandes highlighted the environmental and economic advantages of reestablishing the train service. “Rail service would remove thousands of cars off the road, reduce emissions, and provide critical transportation options to Cape and Islands residents,” he stated.

Five years ago, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) estimated the cost of extending the service at $67 million. The proposed route would take approximately 93 minutes from Boston to Buzzards Bay, potentially serving up to 1,700 daily passengers. The commuter line would terminate in Bourne, just before the Cape Cod Canal.

Currently, the Cape Cod Flyer provides seasonal rail service terminating in Hyannis. Its growing popularity underscores the demand for more comprehensive train services in the area. Governor Maura Healey acknowledged the importance of the Cape Cod Flyer and indicated that the state would consider the proposal for expanded service.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.