The Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the concept of a Buzzards Bay to Boston commuter train and its board of directors says now is the time to make the train a reality.

"People will come from all over the Cape and Southeastern Massachusetts to take advantage of this opportunity," said Marie Oliva, president and CEO of the Chamber. "Buzzards Bay as the first main stop will bring thousands of people into the community and complements the ongoing efforts of Buzzards Bay revitalization. ... More cars off the road is simply a good idea, along with more people visiting the towns of Bourne and Wareham."

The board of directors says it is ready to lead the effort and will facilitate discussions with the towns' leaders and appropriate boards.

"The Buzzards Bay Railroad Station houses the Chamber and Visitor Center, which already brings in thousands of people annually," notes Richard Hollis of C.L. Hollis Insurance, which has locations in Wareham and Stoughton. "To add a train stop at this location is a logical way to provide necessary transportation services and improve the economy of both the downtowns in Bourne and Wareham. It's time to start the ball rolling."

Members of the Chamber argue that the popularity of the CapeFlyer summer train service from Boston to Hyannis --  a team effort of the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority -- "has proved that people want both passenger and commuter service."

The service was launched this year as a pilot effort to ease Cape traffic. In order to accommodate trains going 55 mph, crews completed miles of work on the tracks.

The inaugural service was designed to provide a foundation for potentially expanded service next summer. Officials have said a Wareham stop is definite as long as the service continues.

"It's now time," Oliva says of commuter rail, "to make this issue become a reality."