Wickford train station officially open

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - The Wickford Junction Train Station and Garage is officially open to commuters.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood joined Governor Lincoln Chafee and Senator Jack Reed for a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday morning.

As a part of the grand opening, a ceremonial MBTA train left the Providence Station arriving at Wickford Junction.

The RIDOT hopes the train station will help alleviate peak hour congestion by getting vehicles off the highway.

“Today’s opening marks a huge milestone in public transportation in Rhode Island,” said RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis.  “The continuation of commuter rail into North Kingstown should bring some much-needed congestion relief to the heavily traveled South County corridor."

Trains will offer 20 trips a day from North Kingstown to Warwick, Providence and Boston on the M.B.T.A's Providence Stoughton line.

“Commuter service at Wickford Junction Station will make additional transportation possibilities available to a whole new segment of Rhode Islanders,” said Governor Lincoln D. Chafee.

The project began back in September 2010 and was finished last month, ahead of schedule and under budget.

Tickets are available for purchase on the train and credit card ticket machines will be available for use in the future. Ticket prices will vary based on destination:

• Wickford Junction and T.F. Green: $2.25 each way ($3 starting July 1, 2012)
• Wickford Junction and Providence: $2.50 each way ($3.25 starting July 1, 2012)
• Wickford Junction and Boston’s South Station: $9 each way ($11 starting July 1, 2012)
• Half price for seniors and those with physical disabilities
• Free for children age 11 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult

For more information on monthly passes and the train schedule , go to their website.

Directions to the new train station located at 1011 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown, R.I.:

• Take I-95 South to Route 4 South to Exit 5A (Route 102 South/Wickford)
• Follow Route 102 South through three lights
• Take a left at the fourth light into Wickford Junction
• Proceed to new Station and Garage to park