CapeFlyer Passengers Enjoy Inaugural Ride From Boston To Hyannis
HYANNIS (CBS) - For the first time since the 1980's a passenger train rolled into Hyannis from Boston. The CapeFlyer is now up and running for the summer season.
The inaugural run experienced delays, leaving South Station at 5:15 and arriving in Cape Cod at 8:20pm, about a half hour behind schedule.
Related: CapeFlyer Service Concerns Residents
Cape Cod Transit Authority officials say they are still dealing with speed restrictions in Wareham and taking safety precautions at other crossings.
Still, the 200 or more passengers on board didn't seem to mind. Most said it beat sitting in traffic.
"It was very peaceful and relaxing," said a passenger of her first trip to the Cape.
"You're not surrounded by cars stuck in traffic, so that certainly takes a load off. I mean I took a nap for like 45 minutes," said Stephanie Carter who usually takes the bus to her family's Cape house.
Passengers on board the train read books, texted and had a cocktail to pass the time.
"You beat the traffic and you get to have a beer. It's a win win," said one rider.
These aren't the first passengers to ride the rails to the Cape. Attempts at train service were made in the 1950's and 1980's. Both were derailed by low ridership and high costs.
This time, Flyer officials say will be different.
"It's a much smoother more efficient ride," said Tom Cahir of the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. "And when you get here to Hyannis you have bus service to all 15 Cape communities."
The train ride won over former Governor Michael Dukakis, who spearheaded the train in the '80s.
"I think it's got a million reasons why it makes sense. And I hope we can just keep building it and turn it into full time service," Governor Dukakis said as he traveled.
But the real test is answered in one question: Will these riders take the train again?
Many said yes, and that was the review that mattered as the train chugged back to Boston.
