An Arlington company hopes to start private passenger rail service with daily trips between Worcester and Providence in 2017.
Boston Surface Railroad Co. is working on a final operating agreement with Providence and Worcester Railroad Co., which would operate the trains on its tracks, according to CEO Vincent Bono.“We’re just now identifying the track improvements that need to be made, which are not many,” Bono said.
Company principals are privately funding the venture with $3 million in capital and credit, with another $2 million available, according to Bono. “That’s all we need to get up and running — this is a pilot,” he said. “We feel we’ll break even in three years of operation. We’re hoping to get 600 people a day.”
Initial plans are for two daily round trips, with the second out of Worcester’s Union Station getting to Providence Station, after a stop in Woonsocket, R.I., by 8:40 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Trains would return to Worcester, again via Woonsocket, after 5 p.m., with an estimated one-way trip time of 65 to 70 minutes.
Boston Surface Railroad plans to start with four railcars per train — the equivalent of Amtrak coach cars, with two-by-two reclining seats. Free Wi-Fi would be available.
Round-trip prices are expected to be about $18, or $12 under a monthly commuter discount. All seating would be assigned, with tickets available for purchase online and at station kiosks.
The company is negotiating with Amtrak, which owns the last five miles of track on the planned route, and must get a safety plan approved by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Source: Donna Goodison Boston Herald
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