Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) are reminding commuters that this is the final week of the Wickford Wintertime Wednesdays promotion. This invitation to try commuter rail service for free ran for the past five weeks as a way to introduce commuter rail service to South County commuters.
Travel between Wickford Junction and Providence is free all day tomorrow, Wednesday, February 27, 2013, however tickets must be picked up before 3:30 p.m. that day. Riders taking advantage of this promotion will receive both a ticket to Providence and return ticket to be used with any train that is convenient.
Commuters interested in participating in Wickford Wintertime Wednesdays should visit the Wickford Junction website at www.wickfordjunction.com to download a registration form. After entering the garage, bring the form and your parking ticket to the registration table located on the second floor waiting area (platform level) to receive your free round-trip ticket and validated parking. Those who are dropped off at the station, or who walk or ride their bike to Wickford Junction, also can receive the free round-trip fare to Providence.
While the Wednesdays promotion at Wickford is coming to a close, RIDOT is continuing its free wintertime parking at both Wickford and T.F. Green Station at the InterLink in Warwick. This offer runs until the end of March.
"The expansion of commuter rail in Rhode Island is a key component in attracting business to our great state while providing existing businesses and employees a vital link to get to work," Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said. "We hope people take advantage of the final week of this promotion and, once they see how easy and convenient it is, consider making commuter rail part of their daily routine."
"As the economy begins to recover and more residents get back to work, the delays along major roadways like Interstate 95 and Route 4 will grow," RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said. "The commuter rail is a great option for motorists who regularly travel these highways to avoid the traffic and get to work or school in a cost-effective manner."
Commuter rail service, provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), features 20 stops per day at T.F. Green and Wickford Junction stations Monday through Friday. Normally, parking at T.F. Green costs $6.75 each day and parking at Wickford Junction costs $4 daily. T.F. Green does charge a surcharge of $30 for parking beyond 24 hours. This fee will not be waived as part of the wintertime free parking.
Fares from Warwick and Wickford to Providence are $3 and $3.25, respectively, each way. Fares to from these stations to Boston's South Station cost $10.50 and $11, respectively. Full schedule and fare information can be found on RIDOT's website at www.dot.ri.gov.
Both stations feature heated waiting areas close to the train platforms, and Wickford Station includes an in-station coffee and snack shop. Both stations feature charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles and covered bicycle storage. All MBTA trains also offer free wireless internet service.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362, Ext. 4007
Directions to T.F Green Station at the InterLink 700 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, R.I.
• Take I-95 to Exit 13 to the Airport Connector and take the first exit for Jefferson Boulevard. At the end of the ramp, take a left and follow 0.4 miles. The parking garage is on the right.
Directions to Wickford Junction Station 1011 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown, R.I.
• From the South: Take Route 4 North to Exit 5 (Route 102). Turn right at the end of the ramp and follow Route 102 South about a half mile. The entrance to Wickford Junction is on the left.
• From the North: Take Route 4 South to Exit 5A (Route 102). Follow 0.8 of a mile to the station.