NORTH KINGSTON, RI – When the first commuter rail train makes its inaugural run on April 23rd between Wickford and Providence, U.S. Senator Jack Reed plans to be among the first to climb aboard.

For years, Reed has worked on a plan to ease congestion on the Route 4/I-95 corridor and bring commuter rail service to South County.

Reed authored legislation to construct a new commuter rail station at Wickford Junction and secured $32.9 million for the South County Commuter Rail project.  This follows Reed’s successful effort to secure millions in federal funds to improve freight rail service in Rhode Island, particularly to Quonset Point-Davisville.

The Wickford Junction Train Station was designed and built through a public-private partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the developers of Wickford Junction, including Bob Cioe, who initially proposed the concept in the 1980s.

Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, was the primary force for securing federal dollars to extend Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) rail service to Wickford Junction.  Overall, more than $50 million in federal and state funding has been committed to bringing commuter rail service to Wickford.

“Like the ‘Little Engine That Could,’ Wickford Junction is proof that optimism and hard work pays off.  After decades of planning and working to secure funding, this is a major milestone in the development of our commuter rail system that will give Rhode Islanders a new way to travel, connecting South County to Warwick, Providence, Boston, and points in between.  This new rail line is a smart investment that will help create jobs and put Rhode Island on track to long-term, sustainable economic growth.  Even people who don’t take the train will benefit from less traffic and better air quality along the busy I-95/Route 1/Route 4 corridor,” said Reed.

The service will include 20 trips per day, Monday through Friday, to T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Providence, and South Station in Boston.

Starting in July, the one-way fare from Wickford to Warwick will be $3; $3.25 to Providence; and $11 to Boston.   When you factor in gas prices and downtown parking costs, commuters who take the train from Wickford to Boston instead of driving could see their commuting costs cut in half. 

Monthly passes for unlimited travel between Wickford Junction and Providence will be available for $109; and for $345 to Boston’s South Street Station.  The pass also includes travel on all MBTA buses and subways as well as the Inner Harbor Ferry.   Tickets will be half price for seniors and the disabled, and children 11 and younger will ride free when accompanied by a paying adult.  Wickford Junction Train Station will also be linked to Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) bus service.

Passes may be purchased online.

TIMELINE: Reed Secures $32.9 million for Wickford Junction Commuter Rail

Over the years, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has secured federal funds totaling $32.9 million to expand commuter rail service to South County and reduce traffic congestion in Rhode Island and help grow the local economy. 

1998: Reed authorizes Wickford Junction Commuter Rail station in Transportation Reauthorization Act of 1998 to relieve congestion on Route 4, Route 2, and Route 1 due to continued growth in South County.

2003: Reed secures $3 million for Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) for the Wickford Junction Commuter Rail.

2005: Reed secures additional authorization through the Transportation Reauthorization Bill (SAFETEA-LU) for South County Commuter Rail.

2005: Reed secures $6 million for RIDOT for the Wickford Junction Commuter Rail. 

2006: Reed secures $6 million for RIDOT for the Wickford Junction Commuter Rail. 

2008: Reed secures $12.26 million for RIDOT for the Wickford Junction Commuter Rail

2009: Reed secures $1.34 million for RIDOT for the Wickford Junction Commuter Rail.

2009: Reed votes for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  RIDOT commits $4.35 million in ARRA funding to Wickford Junction Commuter Rail.