Some of the goals RIARP hopes to see achieved in the next decade:

Expansion of commuter rail service to South County

RIDOT is actively working to bring service to Wickford Junction and Warwick. Phase 2 will see service extended to Kingston and Westerly, with added stops in East Greenwich and Cranston. We are grateful for the work underway, but RIARP is concerned that the schedules and fares for these trains be attractive Rhode Islanders commuting to Providence, not just those going to Boston. Feeder bus service should be included at all multi-model stations.

Additional station stop for existing MBTA commuter rail service to Boston

Add a commuter rail stop in Pawtucket for existing MBTA trains that pass through. Pawtucket service has been studied and now needs funding for design and construction.

New commuter rail service between Woonsocket, Providence and Warwick

New commuter rail service from Woonsocket to Providence and Warwick has recently been studied and looks promising. The next phase of this "Intra-State Commuter Rail" project needs to be added to the State's long term transportation project list.

Preservation of Newport Secondary rail line

RIDOT owns the Newport Secondary rail line from Newport north to the Massachusetts state line at Fall River. The Aquidneck Island portion of the line is actively used by tourist train and dinner train operations-adding to the local economy and keeping the rail line active in the public eye. RIARP strongly believes this rail line will become the best solution to growing highway congestion on Aquidneck Island. The local municipal Comprehensive Plans recognize this rail line should be available for expanded rail activity. It is imperative that RIDOT actively preserve this rail line, keeping it available for more intensive rail use in the future. We are especially concerned about the portion in Tiverton which is not currently and active rail line. With MBTA commuter rail a possibility in Fall River in the next few years, the potential for rail shuttle service from there to Newport will dramatically increase. RIARP is also concerned about the portion of this rail line in the southern part of the City of Fall River. This short inactive section needs to be preserved for future use for trains to Newport.

Continued maintenance of RIDOT-owned stations

Continued high quality maintenance of the RIDOT-owned stations at Kingston and Westerly is essential. These gateways to Rhode Island should be attractive, efficient and safe for all passengers.

Construction of Boston North-South link

Construction of the North-South rail link in Boston, connecting Boston North Station with Boston South Station would unify the New England rail network and provide much needed capacity at South Station. Preserving the physical ability to construct this link is the urgent short-term priority.

Continuation and expansion of attractively priced intercity rail service

Expanded and attractively priced intercity rail service, including continued long distance trains allowing Rhode Islanders to travel to Florida, Chicago, and other destinations, makes Rhode Island attractive to business and people.

Continuation of a strong RIDOT Intermodal Division

With very tight State budgets, it is imperative that RIDOT maintain a strong, adequately-staffed Intermodal Division. These RIDOT personnel are pivotal in advancing passenger rail services in Rhode Island.