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Complete Regional Transportation Plan 2012 - Cape Cod ...

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for the construction of rail tracks. Given the current rails-to-trails trend, furtherexpansion seems unlikely at the current time. In this case, connectivity and mobilityissues will have to be addressed by improving rail service and connections to othermodes of travel. Rail mobility is limited by the current scenic train service, which isdesigned for tourism, not commuting. A passenger can only use the service to travelbetween Sandwich and Hyannis Stations. Destinations and passenger mobility will needto be addressed in any plan to expand rail service.2.4.7 CONCLUSIONRail service has a long and rich history on <strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Cod</strong>. The region’s early growth was inpart brought about by the railroad. Many miles of usable track still exist on <strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Cod</strong>,intersecting the roads and waterways. MassDOT owns the majority of rail tracks on<strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Cod</strong>, but some tracks are owned by federal agencies. Currently though, only theMass Coastal freight service and the CCCRR scenic train service operate on <strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Cod</strong>.Proposals currently exist to connect Buzzards Bay to Middleboro, which would give <strong>Cape</strong>passengers access to Boston. If passenger rail service were to be resumed, upgradeswould be necessary to the tracks, stations, and signals. Moreover, issues of accessibility,mobility and connectivity would need to be addressed. Funding for these improvementswould need to be identified and secured. As many tracks are converted in bicycle paths,the future of rail on <strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Cod</strong> is still uncertain.<strong>Cape</strong> <strong>Cod</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Transportation</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> | August 2011Chapter 2.4: RailPage 185

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