HYANNIS – A possible rail connection to Cape Cod could be discussed in the future as the Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced that a new train station in Middleboro is its most desirable option.
MassDOT considered three options and officials said that the new Middleboro station at Pilgrim Junction would provide the shortest travel time from Fall River and New Bedford.
“It’s not like there’s going to be commuter rail tomorrow, but at least the people in decision making roles at the state recognize this would be beneficial to Cape Cod and Southeastern Mass,” said CCRTA Administrator Tom Cahir.
The first phase of the South Coast rail project would be to bring interim rail service to Boston with the Middleboro line and the second phase would be to develop the Stoughton Electric Route.
Currently that route is in the planning stage.
There has been discussions for years on bringing commuter rail to Buzzards Bay and local officials say that MassDOT’s recent announcement gives them hope that it will get done one day.
Cahir credits the success of the seasonal Cape Cod to Boston rail line that eventually got the attention of MassDOT.
“It’s our Cape Flyer that has really opened a lot of eyes because we’ve run now five years and with enormous success with increasing ridership every year and that has been well noticed by all the people at the state,” said Chair.
Evaluations need to be completed on proposed new Middleboro station and will be included in the full Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report.
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter
About CapeCod.com NewsCenter
