I rode the CapeFlyer a few weekends ago and it got me thinking about the relaunch of a local version of Amtrak’s Cape Codder.
What is the Amtrak’s Cape Codder?
The Amtrak’s Cape Codder was a seasonal service that ran during the summer months from July to the end of September. Amtrak provided this service between New York City and Hyannis for 10 years, from 1986 to 1996. The Cape Codder would make one trip from New York City to Hyannis on Friday evenings, with two return trips back to New York City, one on Saturday morning and one on Sunday afternoon.
– Below is the timetable for the 1996 Cape Codder
Cape Codder 2.0
Since the CapeFlyer is such a success, I was thinking the MBTA could provide a similar service starting in Wickford Junction, RI to Hyannis, MA. Using a similar route to the Cape Codder starting in Wickford Junction. Below I will give an overview of each station stop and how it would be a great asset to the “Cape” train.
Wickford Junction (MBTA Station)
Wickford Junction is a beautiful train station that has 1,100 parking spaces in a four-story parking garage. This station has been in the news quite a bit since it opened in 2012 because of the lack of MBTA passengers using this station. I think train service should start here, and it would attract users from Connecticut and southern RI. Charging a reasonable weekend rate to customers or offering free parking would attract passengers to this station.
– Below are photos of Wickford Junction
T. F. Green Airport (MBTA Station)
This stop would provide a link between air and rail transportation to Cape Cod south of Boston. There would also be a large 24-hour parking area.
Providence (MBTA Station)
This is one of the MBTA’s busiest stations outside of the Metro Boston area. This station would provide a connection between the “Cape” train and Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela services. This would also provide people that live within the city without a car a way to get to Cape Cod.
Attleboro (MBTA Station)
This station would attract customers from the southern I-495 beltway because it is close to the I-95 and I-495 junction in Mansfield. There is ample parking on the weekends.
Getting There
Just north of the Attleboro Train Station, the “Cape” train would then go on the Middleboro Secondary, making it way through Taunton, Lakeville right into the Middleboro wye making its way to the MBTA Middleboro/Lakeville Station. I’m not sure about the current track conditions of the Middleboro Secondary, the train may need to operate at restricted speeds. It’s been 20 years since passenger trains have been on these tracks. This is the same route the Cape Codder made. After this point, I would have the “Cape” train make the same station stops as the CapeFlyer.
The Schedule
The schedule would be very similar to the CapeFlyer, with a Friday night train making a round trip between Wickford Junction and Hyannis. Saturday and Sunday service with a morning train heading Hyannis and PM train returning back to Wickford Junction.
– Below is a photo of the CapeFlyer Crossing the Cape Cod Railroad Bridge
South Coast Project
If the South Coast Project takes the Middleboro/Lakeville commuter rail line as the connecting line between New Bedford and Fall River, a good amount of the Middleboro Secondary track would be upgraded for this project. Also adding one or two more stops for the “Cape” train.
Equipment
The MBTA states that it has surplus passenger coaches and locomotives. They could take a couple of the best F40PHs and overhaul them as they did with the 1056 and 1062. From what I understand this was cheaper than buying new locomotives.
Conclusion
The idea would use current stations and track that are already there. I would make this a one-year trial service like the CapeFlyer, running from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I think this trial run wouldn’t be costly and it would bring activity to these stations on the weekends.
