Massachusetts to continue seasonal Boston-to-Cape Cod rail service

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) will support weekend summer rail service from Boston to Cape Cod on a permanent basis, Gov. Deval Patrick announced yesterday.

This summer's Cape Flyer service will operate from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, Patrick and MassDOT officials said in a press release.

The rail line will help support economic growth in the region by serving residents and tourists, Patrick said.

"The Cape Flyer provides an excellent opportunity to have a convenient and relaxing car-free trip to enjoy the beaches, restaurants, shopping and recreational opportunities that the Cape and Islands have to offer during the summer," said CCRTA Administrator Thomas Cahir.

In addition, MassDOT will begin a study to review the possibility of year-round rail service on the line, department officials said. MassDOT plans to add a Wareham, Mass., stop on the line, which will open when service resumes next year.

Cape Flyer served 16,586 riders and collected more than $290,000 in fare revenue this past summer.