The traffic to Cape Cod is nightmarish enough on summer weekends that taking a train instead seems like a no-brainer. But when the state subsidized rail service from New York City to Hyannis in the 1980s, it petered out after a few years.
So while the announcement last week by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority that it will run trains to Hyannis on summer weekends, this time leaving from Boston, is certainly welcome, local authorities will need to make a long-term commitment to the service, complete with adequate marketing, to ensure this attempt succeeds.
Comments
This is a small amount of money, granted. But it's this habit of hanging new service requirements on the T when it is so poorly funded that has led to the decay of the entire system.
Good point. Besides, I would much rather take one of the fast ferries from Boston to Provincetown.
I hope the train acomodates bicycles. How else will the passengers get around at the destination?
A fast ferry from Boston to the Cape Cod Canal could be faster, and less expensive. It could also link to Provincetown, and provide a triangle link from Boston-Cape Cod-P'town across Massachusetts Bay. Links to the intermodal center in Hyannis could be provided by bus. Plymouth and Brockton bus service is also excellent, and expansion of bus service from park and ride lots to Hyannis should be explored as an alternative.