The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding commuters that Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail service to T.F. Green station in Warwick will begin on Monday, December 6, 2010. Trains will make six stops Monday through Friday on the Providence/Stoughton line.
Trains will depart from T.F. Green, inbound to Providence/South Station, at the following times:
• 6:13 a.m.; 6:52 a.m.; 7:15 a.m. – To Providence and South Station
• 6:27 p.m.; 7:36 p.m.; 7:51 p.m. – To Providence only, change train at 8:12 p.m. to continue to South Station
Trains will arrive at T.F. Green, outbound from Providence/South Station, at the following times:
• 6:01 a.m.; 6:25 a.m. – Arriving from Providence only
• 6:17 p.m.; 6:53 p.m.; 7:26 p.m. – Arriving from South Station and Providence
“Expanded commuter rail in Rhode Island begins on Monday and is going to be an excellent alternative mode of transportation for many people,” said RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis. “And as winter weather approaches, commuter rail will be a great option for those who don’t want to drive in the ice and snow.”
Ticket fares will vary by distance traveled. Travel between T.F. Green and Providence constitutes travel in two zones and costs $2.25 each way. Travel between T.F. Green and Boston costs $8.25 each way. Seniors and persons with disabilities get 50 percent off. Children age 11 and younger are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Monthly passes for unlimited travel between Providence and T.F. Green cost $77. Monthly passes for unlimited travel between T.F. Green and Boston cost $265, which also includes travel on all MBTA buses and subways, and the Inner Harbor Ferry.
Schedule information can be found on the MBTA website: at www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=PROVSTOU. Fare information can be found at www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/rail.
“The extension of commuter rail to Warwick is a significant improvement of our transportation system, opening up new and convenient choices for Rhode Island commuters and visitors alike,” said Governor Donald L. Carcieri.
“The arrival of commuter rail service is something we have been looking forward to for years. This allows travelers the opportunity for more connectivity between Boston, Providence and T.F. Green Airport,” stated Kevin Dillon, President & CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC). “The benefits to our passengers and ability to attract more air service due to the convenience and ease of access cannot be underscored.”
The T.F. Green Station is part of the $267 million InterLink project for RIDOT and RIAC. The InterLink features a consolidated rental car facility, a bus hub for Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses, and a parking garage with spaces to accommodate 1,800 rental cars and 650 commuter vehicles.
Commuters wishing to park at the InterLink garage will have a daily parking rate of $6.75. A monthly commuter parking rate will be offered at $110 per month. Overnight parking will incur an additional charge of $30 per night. Cash and credit cards will be accepted.
RIDOT and MBTA signed an agreement in 1988 called the Pilgrim Partnership, which initiated Providence to Boston commuter rail service with five round trips per day and approximately 200 riders. Today it has 15 round trips per day, as well as weekend service and approximately 2,000 riders per day from Providence.
The partnership has proven beneficial to both agencies. Rhode Island gets access to regional transportation to and from Boston. Massachusetts has gotten much-needed capital improvements, including the Pawtucket layover facility, bi-level coaches and other maintenance upgrades along the Providence/Stoughton line.
Rhode Island signed an operations agreement with the MBTA on September 30, 2010 to create the South County Commuter Rail service, which expands commuter rail service in Rhode Island south of Providence. The InterLink officially opened on October 27, 2010.
A further extension of commuter rail service to Wickford Junction is expected in late 2011. When this station opens, trains will continue down to North Kingstown and are expected to make 10 stops per day.
Expanded commuter rail will provide a convenient rail link between Wickford, Warwick, Providence and the New England region, and serve as an alternative to the automobile for commuters working in Providence and Boston.