Location of Samwell town (shaded red) in relation to Providence and Boston. As well as the electrified rail line that directly connects Samwell to the two major cities.
Stations that serve as MBTA stops for this line (south to north): Providence, Pawtucket, I-295 Beltway, North Attleborough, Samwell, Dedham, Ruggles, Back Bay, South Station, North Station.
The line (officially Samwell-Providence) is frequently nicknamed the “Capital Electric”, both for being the only electric MBTA commuter rail, and for connecting both Massachusetts and Rhode Island state capitals, as well as Norfolk County seat. It was originally built in the late 19th century and then upgraded in the 1920s to an experimental electric line.
Service was extended from South Station to North Station in 2007 as part of Boston’s Big Dig Project. Due to this line being the only electrified commuter line, it’s currently the only service that connects the two stations.There are talks to extend the line to Logan International; it would require electrifying a section of the Newburyport/Rockport Line and then building a rail to North Boston.
Providence/Stoughton Line still exists and is why the Capital Electric doesn’t go past Providence Station in RI. And it still serves Foxboro station when the Patriots play. It just doesn’t have Amtrak.
The electric line is part of the greater electrified Northeast Corridor. As such, it is served by both the Northeast Regional and Avelia Liberty (which replaced Acela Express in 2016).
Stations that serve as Amtrak stations*: Providence, Samwell, Back Bay, South Station.
*North Station is an Amtrak station, but it serves as the southern terminus for the Downeaster, while South Station serves as the northern terminus for both Northeast Corridor trains.
On the straight shots that exemplify the RI/MA-border-to-Samwell and Samwell-to-Rosingdale segments, Avelia trains can reach up to 220 mph. To allow for the trains to retain full speeds through the stretches, right-of-ways are provided for slower trains, barriers are erected in populated areas, and a third rail is given in Beltway, North Attleborough, and Dedham stations for both smoothness and platform safety.
For NHL fans, it’s noted that North Station is under TD Garden, and Providence Station is adjacent to Providence Arena. So whenever the Falconers and Bruins go head-to-head, the line is sometimes known as the “Hockey Express”.
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