Officials: Boston to Hyannis rail service to be up and running this summer

(MyFoxBoston.com/AP) – A rail service to run from Boston to Cape Cod is expected to be up and running this summer, Massachusetts officials announced Tuesday.

The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, in conjunction with the MassDOT, will operate a summer seasonal service from South Station in Boston to Hyannis on Cape Cod. The train will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day and will connect with Cape Cod bus and ferry services, as well as providing spaces for bicycles.

The service will operate on existing lines utilizing current equipment.

Officials hope the addition of the rail lines will reduce traffic congestion from Boston to Cape Cod on summer weekends. The service will also reduce negative environmental impacts and open up one of the Commonwealth's key tourism destinations to even more people.

State Transportation Secretary Richard Davy and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren were among those at Tuesday's announcement.

On Fridays, an MBTA commuter train leaving Boston at 5:12 p.m. for Middleborough will continue to Hyannis. Trains will depart Boston at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Returns leave Hyannis at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Fares are $20 one-way and $35 round-trip.

The last rail service between Boston and Cape Cod ended in 1988.

Cox Media Group