Wickford Junction, What's Your Function?

I would like to get a new job in Providence. I live in North Kingstown, right near the East Greenwich line. I am excited about the possibility of taking the new commuter rail from North Kingstown to Providence.

Will it be worth the effort?

At a previous job I had in Providence, the distance traveled from my garage to the free parking lot next to the building was approximately 18 miles. The time it took was about 22 minutes. (When you commute for a long time in Rhode Island, you can get this time down pretty well). That was actually before roadwork was completed on Route 95. Depending on the time out of the house, there could be a little traffic. 

Anyone who has done a Boston commute or lived in Boston at any time knows that Rhode Island traffic is "cute." You might bunch up a little on Route 4 north, before getting on Route 95. There may be some minor delays at Jefferson Boulevard before getting into Providence. The newly completed work on Routes 95 and 295 have made the commute much better. So, with that little bit of traffic, I'll say 25 to 30 minutes door to door.

So, we introduce a commuter rail for Rhode Islanders, The "Rhody Rail." I really would love to sit down and relax on a train ride all the way to Providence.

What is the new scenario? Here is what a possible commute might entail.

I get into my car and drive south, down to the new Wickford Junction. It's backroad driving all the way. I'll say I can get there in 11 to 13 minutes. I then need to park my car and walk to the station. Another 3 or 4 minutes added. Depending on what time I get to the station, I wait for the train another 5 to 10 minutes. The commuter rail pulls into Wickford Junction. Travel time from Wickford Junction to Providence is expected to be 25 minutes. I hop on and 25 minutes later I arrive, on time, to Providence Station.

Now, I must get to work. How do I do that? I can walk. I can take a cab. I can take the bus. Hmmm. I'm already at or over 45 minutes on this commute. It could be a 15 to 30 minute walk to my office. I do welcome the exercise from a walk on a nice cool spring or fall morning, but what about those other days we have in Rhode Island? Those 40 degree and rainy days? Those 2 inches of snow, changing to rain, freezing rain and then back to snow days?

It's a beautiful day and I walk the rest of the way to my office.  It's another half hour added to the overall commute. I even saved money by not taking a cab or bus.

Round trip on the commuter rail will cost $5.50. Parking at Wickford Junction is free. Not bad at all. A twenty mile trip driving to Providence costs $7 to 8 in gas alone, depending on what kind of car you drive.

Looks like my commute could take around an hour and fifteen minutes and cost me $5.50. Driving could cost $8 but get me there in as little as half an hour.

Will Rhode Islanders invest in this significantly longer commute? Will they miss the control they have of traveling in their own car, instead of being dependent on public transportation? Are we sure this will work?

Wickford Junction, What's Your Function?