Governor Deval Patrick today announced that MassDOT will support annual seasonal rail service to the Cape via Cape Flyer.

Following the success of the 2013 Cape Flyer weekend rail service from Boston to Hyannis, MassDOT, working with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, (CCRTA) will support permanent weekend service from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

In addition, MassDOT will launch a study to review the feasibility of year-round weekend service on the rail line. MassDOT will also add a Wareham stop on the line, which will be open when service resumes Memorial Day weekend. This year, ridership on the Cape Flyer through Columbus Day weekend was 16,586. Fare revenue from the line totaled more than $290,000.

“The CapeFLYER provides an excellent opportunity for people to have a convenient and relaxing ‘car-free’ trip to enjoy the beaches, restaurants, shopping and recreational opportunities that the Cape and Islands have to offer during the summer,” said CCRTA Administrator Thomas S. Cahir. “We look forward to working with the Patrick Administration and our partners to continue to provide new mobility options while reducing congestion.”