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5/11/2022
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and operating partner Keolis Commuter Services have released the spring and summer 2022 commuter-rail schedule that goes into effect May 23.
Noted changes include the return of express service to the Worcester Line, which provides a one-hour trip between Worcester and Boston, and the addition of midday service on the Franklin/Foxboro Line, Keolis officials said in a press release.
The Fairmount Line will also provide permanent additional weekday service and support bicycles onboard the trains. The additional service began as a pilot in June 2020, when eight trips between Readville and South Station operating every 45 minutes were added to the schedule. Plus, riders can also transfer to the Red and Silver lines for free.
While data was collected during the pilot program, MBTA found that ridership on the Fairmount Line increased by 25% with most increases coming from riders switching from parallel bus and rapid transit service, as well as a substantial increase from car-based modes. Those riders reported that the train service made their trips substantially faster, officials said.
The new schedule includes minor adjustments to utilize improved track infrastructure and align commuter-rail schedules with freight-rail schedules to minimize delays. The schedule accommodates crews working on multiple projects, including the Worcester Union Station, the Natick Center Station and rail-tie replacement projects.
The Gloucester Drawbridge will reopen, allowing riders to board trains between Rockport and Beverly for the first time in more than two years. Additionally, normal train service is expected to resume on the Newburyport/Rockport Line June 6 with some signal work-related delays.