After years in the making, the completion of a new intermodal facility at T.F. Green Airport is entering the homestretch. Christened InterLink by the airport, the facility includes a commuter rail station, 1,000 parking spaces for commuters and 2,200 parking spaces for rental car companies as well as space for their offices.
R.I. Airport Corporation President Kevin Dillon recently took some time to discuss the project with Providence Business News.
PBN: What is the current status of the InterLink? When is it scheduled to open?
DILLON: The construction of the InterLink is now 87 percent complete. Gilbane and the project team have been doing an excellent job – the project is on schedule, and we are pleased with the progress to date.
It is hard to believe that in a few short months, it will be open. The rental cars plan to move their operations into the consolidated rental car facility in late September, and the commuter rail service is slated to begin in late October.
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PBN: Do you think the station will lead to a reversal of declining passenger numbers at Green?
DILLON: It is important to note our declining numbers are attributed to the economy and capacity reductions in air service resulting from higher fuel costs. However, having this enhanced ground transportation option to Green greatly expands accessibility to the airport. This in turn gives us the ability to attract a greater number of passengers and more air service.
Access to the airport will be as easy as a commuter train ride to the InterLink stop where passengers will connect to a moving sidewalk, which takes them into the terminal. The commuter rail service that connects to Boston and runs through the densely populated area from 128 South will be attractive to business and leisure travelers, who want a more seamless way of traveling.
Good customer service is a priority for us, and we recognize that providing this rail link is just another positive for the airport. Green Airport was also recently named the fifth best airport in the country in Travel and Leisure’s “Best and Worst Airports in the U.S.” – which speaks to passenger preference for the positive travel experience that we offer here.
PBN: The project involves a lot of components but the MBTA service stands out. How important is that to the airport and local area?
DILLON: The MBTA service is critical in terms of reaching into the metro Boston area. Both Green and Logan Airports share a good portion of the same market area, and travelers have the choice to use either airport.
Since Green continues to offer lower fares on many of our flights, as compared to Logan, customers in this shared market area can now take the commuter rail to Green, and the InterLink will make the travel experience as convenient as possible. This is not only an asset to the airport, but will help in attracting more tourists and conventions to the state.
PBN: What will it mean for the station and airport, if anything, when MBTA service is extended to Wickford Junction in North Kingstown?
DILLON: We expect this service will allow for customers in southern Rhode Island to have easier access to the airport. It also provides for a further possible connection to the Connecticut shoreline. This would greatly expand the market area that we serve.
PBN: I understand the project has recently garnered some national attention in USA Today. Are you receiving a lot of inquiries from newspapers or airport officials across the country asking about the project?
DILLON: We are pleased to receive national and international exposure on this project with the USA Today article and expect media and various trade publications will continue to have an interest. Airlines are very interested in the InterLink and have been watching this project unfold for some time. Federal and local transportation officials, along with environmental advocates, all see the benefits of providing commuter rail service through this type of consolidated transportation hub.
