Proposed Commuter Rail Expansion To Cape Cod Draws Support: Reports

CAPE COD, MA — Extending the Boston area's commuter rail system onto Cape Cod might help ease traffic congestion that's all too familiar for travelers headed there.

Now the idea has received support from state lawmakers and transportation advocates, according to multiple reports.

A proposal would extend MBTA rail service from Middleboro to Bourne, creating what supporters say would be a long-overdue public transit connection between the Cape and metro Boston.

Cape Cod currently has limited rail access through the seasonal CapeFlyer service, which makes weekend trips between Boston and Hyannis.

An estimated 5 million drivers cross the Sagamore and Bourne bridges each year to reach the Cape, according to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

But there's debate about whether more rail service would be a worthwhile savings or an expensive boondoggle.

You can read coverage of the proposal by CBS Boston here.