Exclusive: Amtrak High Speed Rail Would Bypass Providence

Exclusive: Amtrak High Speed Rail Would Bypass Providence

Amtrak’s plan for high-speed rail between Washington, DC and Boston would completely bypass Providence—causing the capital city to miss out on one of the biggest economic development opportunities in a generation, according to city leaders.

“I was stunned when I found out about the plan,” said Providence Planning Director Thomas Deller. “As the capital city of Rhode Island and the center of economic activity in Rhode Island, Amtrak should be serving the capital city.”

The new 220-mile-an-hour high speed train would shuttle passengers to and from New York City and Boston in an hour and a half. Acela trains currently make that trip in just over three hours. Instead of passing through Providence, Amtrak wants the new high-speed rail to stop in Woonsocket, according to a plan released at the end of September. (See below map.)

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Could be ‘biggest economic boon’

“It sounds crazy. I can’t understand why you would pass up a city with 175,000 people in the metro and then stop in Woonsocket which has 40,000,” said James Hagan, the former president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.

An official at the State Department of Transportation said Amtrak likely picked Woonsocket because it’s on the straightest path from Hartford to Boston. The existing rail lines through Providence would be maintained and Amtrak would continue to offer service to Boston and New York City on Acela trains from the downtown station. The new service would not start until 2040.

Hagan said not having high-speed rail could have an adverse effect on economic development in the city. Former Providence mayor Joe Paolino agreed. “High speed rail to downtown Providence is probably the biggest economic boon we could ever imagine,” Paolino said, adding that Providence has been the center of commerce in Rhode Island since the 1800s. “Having it go through Woonsocket will have an effect on the center of commerce.”

Woonsocket says it deserves high speed rail

But Woonsocket isn’t about to let go of the opportunity. Planning Director Joel Mathews said the city was once a center of commerce and hopes high-speed rail restores its economic stature. “We’ve always believed that Woonsocket was geographically well-placed, but hard to get to,” Mathews said. “Certainly this connection will put us on the map and make things a lot easier in the future for economic development.”

He dismissed concerns about the impact on Providence. “Certainly Providence will remain a capital city with or without this rail that is being proposed,” Mathews said.

Paolino countered: “Woonsocket is a wonderful city, but I don’t think it’s going to be consistent with how people travel.”

Providence to fight for new plan

It’s a tug-of-war between the two cities that reminds Deller of the nineteenth-century conflicts over where train tracks would be laid. “It’s the same kind of battle, because if you get it, you have the potential to grow,” Deller said.

A spokeswoman said the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce also would fight to make sure high-speed rail comes through the capital. She noted that it is still possible Providence could be selected as one of the stops. “This is a long-term plan. They’re just getting started,” said Bethany Costello. “At the appropriate time we will certainly advocate for Providence. … We’re optimistic that if another proposal comes out Providence could still be selected.”

She said that the Chamber will work with Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation to make its case for Providence.

It will also be a major issue for the next governor, Paolino said.

An official at the state Department of Transportation said it was too early to talk about the economic ramifications of the plan. “RIDOT fully recognizes our transportation growth opportunities have to be in transit, including rail,” said Stephen Devine, Chief of Program Development for Intermodal Planning. “At this early stage, RIDOT is pleased that any new future high-speed rail service being proposed includes Rhode Island.”

A spokesman for Amtrak did not respond to a request for comment.