CapeFLYER Service Extended through Columbus Day

BOSTON- Sunday, August 11, 2013- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) today announced the CapeFLYER weekend train service from Boston to Cape Cod will be extended through the Columbus Day holiday, Monday, October 14.

The long awaited return of weekend rail service to Cape Cod has proven successful, attracting a total of 11,031 customers for the period from the beginning of service on Memorial Day weekend through this morning, August 11th. CapeFLYER service was originally scheduled to conclude for the year on Labor Day.

The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA), in cooperation with MassDOT and the MBTA is operating the seasonal service from Boston South Station to Hyannis on Cape Cod.

“By working together, the successful partnership between MassDOT, the MBTA and CCRTA has provided cost effective, efficient and enjoyable travel to the Cape for thousands of people,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Continuing Cape Rail service through the fall will be a boost for residents and tourists alike.”

“This service has been a huge hit with Cape visitors, and we are pleased to keep the trains running for the busy late summer and early fall weekends following Labor Day,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey.

“This has been a great partnership with our friends at the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority,” said MBTA General Manager Dr. Beverly Scott, who also serves as the state’s Rail and Transit Administrator. “We look forward to providing this convenient and affordable transit option to many more Cape-goers in the coming months.”

Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority Administrator Thomas S. Cahir says he expects CapeFLYER to continue to attract strong ridership through Columbus Day.

“We conducted a survey of our CapeFLYER customers and were overwhelmed by the positive feedback received,” said Administrator Cahir. “Numerous customers and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce have asked about the possibility of extending service into the fall, and with festivals and other events scheduled after Labor Day weekend and extending our ‘season’, we are excited to keep this new transit option available to our visitors,” said Administrator Cahir.

Cape Flyer has quickly become a convenient option from Boston to Cape Cod, which typically experiences significant traffic congestion on summer weekends. The train service helps reduce traffic environmental impacts and is consistent with MassDOT’s “GreenDOT” goal of environmental responsibility and sustainability in the state transportation system.

Train Transfer Connections on the Cape

Hyannis is a transfer point for Cape-wide bus services run by CCRTA and by P&B Bus Lines. The ferry docks in Hyannis are reachable by a short, free shuttle bus trip, a walk, or a quick bike ride and there is coordination with the island ferries (Hy-line and Steamship Authority) to provide rail to ferry connections to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.

Fares

Fares are market rate and consistent with the comparable intercity bus fares. The trip from South Station to Hyannis is $20 one-way and $35 round trip.

Customers may buy tickets on-board the train or on their Smartphone via the MBTA’s “mTicket” mobile ticketing app for Commuter Rail. Customers are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance. Visit CapeFLYER on the web: http://capeflyer.com

For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog: www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot and Facebook at www.facebook.com/massdotinfo.

Contact:

Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority: Kathy Jensen, 508.775.8504
MassDOT: JPesaturo@mbta.com