On May 27, 2026, the Middletown Rotary Club welcomed Jack Doyle, General Manager of the Old Colony & Newport Railway, for a fascinating presentation on the history and future of rail service on Aquidneck Island. Although a second scheduled speaker was unable to attend, Doyle’s engaging talk provided members with both a rich historical perspective and an inspiring look toward the future of local rail transportation.
Doyle shared that the railroad first came to Newport in 1864, when the Old Colony & Newport Railway connected Aquidneck Island with Fall River and Boston. In its early years, the line played an important role in regional travel, bringing passengers from Boston to Newport where they could then board steamships bound for New York City — at the time considered one of the fastest routes between the two major cities.
He explained that Newport once had two railroad stations, including the station located near today’s Gateway Center, and described how the railroad became vital to the region’s economy and growth over many decades. During World War II, the line served a critical role transporting troops and war materials through Newport County.
Coming from a long family tradition of railroaders — and noting proudly that his son now operates trains for the MBTA — Doyle spoke passionately about preserving the line’s history. In 1979, he and a dedicated group of railroad enthusiasts took action to help preserve both the railway and its important second track for potential future transportation use. Their volunteer efforts eventually helped establish tourist rail operations on the island and protected the corridor from being lost entirely.
The preservation effort began with vintage rail equipment, including an 1884 office parlor car and an 1888 coach, both remarkable surviving examples of 19th-century railroad history. Over time, those early excursions evolved into the well-known dinner train experience that continues operating successfully today. Doyle noted that the railroad now operates four locomotives and continues to attract both visitors and rail enthusiasts from throughout the region.
Looking toward the future, Doyle discussed long-range visions for expanded rail possibilities on Aquidneck Island. He spoke about how preserving the second rail line could someday help address growing traffic concerns entering Newport and shared hopes that future transportation initiatives could eventually reconnect the island more directly to Boston through modern passenger or light rail concepts.
The evening offered Rotary members a unique glimpse into an important part of Newport County’s transportation history and a reminder of how citizen-led preservation efforts can shape opportunities for future generations.
