ATTLEBORO - Local rail commuters should mark Jan. 30 on their calendars. They may be looking for a new way to get to Boston.

The MBTA is preparing for a potential Amtrak strike in less than three weeks that could create havoc for commuters, particularly those along the Providence-to-Boston rail line.

The MBTA owns most of the commuter rail track that carries suburban riders to Boston. But Amtrak operates the tracks between the two capital cities and dispatches all service in and out of South Station, which handles 60 percent of the MBTA's commuter trains.

As a result, a strike would close the Providence-to-Boston commuter rail line and nearly shut down South Station. More than 17,000 commuters take the line each day, the majority of which board trains in Attleboro, South Attleboro and Mansfield. It is the busiest of the MBTA's commuter rail lines.

Amtrak workers have been without a contract for eight years, receiving only cost-of-living increases since 2000. An emergency presidential panel created to avert a strike recommended last week that workers receive a 35 percent raise through 2009, a proposal backed by the unions. Amtrak, however, would probably need help from the federal government and the approval of Congress to pay for it.

Both Amtrak and the union have declined to comment on the possibility of a strike. A statement from the union indicated that it has invited Amtrak back to the bargaining table, using the panel's recommendations as a basis for further talks.

The Jan. 30 date is the first day the union has the legal right to strike.

No strikes votes have been taken.

In the meantime, the MBTA and Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co., a private company which operates commuter rail for the T, have been making alternative plans.

James O'Leary, general manager of the private contractor, was quoted as saying that no matter what accommodations are made, a strike would have "significant impact" on the daily commute, particularly for the Providence-to-Boston line.

MIKE KIRBY can be reached at 508-236-0344 or at mkirby@thesunchronicle.com.