CapeFlyer Train Service Is Here to Stay

Cape Flyer Photo Uploaded by JSGreene55 on Flickr

If you didn’t have a chance to take a trip on the new CapeFlyer train from South Station to Hyannis over the summer, fear not: Governor Patrick announced today that it will become a permanent service each season.

Based on the success of the special train service, which was first introduced this past summer, MassDOT and Patrick decided it would be a good idea to throw financial support behind an annual Cape train service between Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

The investment will “bring growth and opportunity to the region by creating reliable summer rail service for residents and tourists alike,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.

On top of that, MassDOT officials have decided to kick off a study to see if the rail service should be implemented on a year-round basis, extending outside of the plans to just give riders a two-hour trek during the summertime.

A Wareham stop is also being added on the line, which will be open when service resumes Memorial Day weekend.

This year, through Columbus Day weekend, 16,586 people took the CapeFlyer service between Boston and Hyannis. Fare revenue from the line totaled more than $290,000, according to MassDOT officials.

“The CapeFlyer provides an excellent opportunity for people 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 S. Cahir. “We look forward to working with the Patrick Administration and our partners to continue to provide new mobility options while reducing congestion.”

At first, the service only ran through the summer, but due to popular demand, it was later extended into October, so riders could get a glimpse of the Cape in the Fall.

The train trips cost $35 and offer free Wi-Fi and space for people to store their bikes, if necessary. Here are some additional statistics about the rail service, and what it has to offer.