Reminder: MBTA uses shuttle buses for December 7-9 on the Franklin/Foxboro

On Saturday, December 7th & Sunday, December 8th shuttle buses will replace regular train service between Forge Park/495 and Readville to allow for work on the East Street Bridge Replacement Project. This will allow for work on the East Street Bridge Replacement Project. A diversion schedule will be in effect. Affected trips: 2700 (5:17 am from Forge Park/495) 2700 (5:17 am from Forge Park/495) 1700 (5:17 am from Forge Park/495) 1700 (5:17 am from Forge Park/495) 1701 (6:47 am from South Station) 2701 (6:47 am from South Station) 2701 (6:47 am from South Station) 1701 (6:47 am from South Station) 2703 (8:02 am from South Station) 2703 (8:02 am from South Station) 1703 (8:02 am from South Station) 1703 (8:02 am from South Station) 1702 (8:17 am from Forge Park/495) 2702 (8:17 am from Forge Park/495) 2702 (8:17 am from Forge Park/495) 1702 (8:17 am from Forge Park/495) 1704 (9:47 am from Forge Park/495) 2704 (9:47 am from Forge Park/495) 2704 (9:47 am from Forge Park/495) 1704 (9:47 am from Forge Park/495) 2705 (10:17 am from South Station) 2705 (10:17 am from South Station) 1705 (10:17 am from South Station) 1705 (10:17 am from South Station) 1706 (11:47 am from Forge Park/495) 2706 (11:47 am from Forge Park/495) 2706 (11:47 am from Forge Park/495) 1706 (11:47 am from Forge Park/495) 1707 (12:17 pm from South Station) 2707 (12:17 pm from South Station) 2707 (12:17 pm from South Station) 1707 (12:17 pm from South Station) 1708 (1:47 pm from Forge Park/495) 2708 (1:47 pm from Forge Park/495) 2708 (1:47 pm from Forge Park/495) 1708 (1:47 pm from Forge Park/495) 1709 (2:17 pm from South Station) 2709 (2:17 pm from South Station) 2709 (2:17 pm from South Station) 1709 (2:17 pm from South Station) 1710 (3:47 pm from Forge Park/495) 1711 (3:47 pm from South Station) 2711 (3:47 pm from South Station) 2710 (3:47 pm from Forge Park/495) 2710 (3:47 pm from Forge Park/495) 2711 (3:47 pm from South Station) 1710 (3:47 pm from Forge Park/495) 1711 (3:47 pm from South Station) 1713 (5:47 pm from South Station) 2713 (5:47 pm from South Station) 2713 (5:47 pm from South Station) 1713 (5:47 pm from South Station) 1712 (5:57 pm from Forge Park/495) 2712 (5:57 pm from Forge Park/495) 2712 (5:57 pm from Forge Park/495) 1712 (5:57 pm from Forge Park/495) 1715 (7:55 pm from South Station) 2715 (7:55 pm from South Station) 2715 (7:55 pm from South Station) 1715 (7:55 pm from South Station) 1714 (7:57 pm from Forge Park/495) 2714 (7:57 pm from Forge Park/495) 2714 (7:57 pm from Forge Park/495) 1714 (7:57 pm from Forge Park/495) 1716 (9:27 pm from Forge Park/495) 2716 (9:27 pm from Forge Park/495) 2716 (9:27 pm from Forge Park/495) 1716 (9:27 pm from Forge Park/495) 1717 (9:55 pm from South Station) 2717 (9:55 pm from South Station) 2717 (9:55 pm from South Station) 1717 (9:55 pm from South Station) 1718 (11:27 pm from Forge Park/495) 2718 (11:27 pm from Forge Park/495) 2718 (11:27 pm from Forge Park/495) 1718 (11:27 pm from Forge Park/495) 1719 (11:55 pm from South Station) 2719 (11:55 pm from South Station) 2719 (11:55 pm from South Station) 1719 (11:55 pm from South Station) Last Updated: Nov 18 2024 10:32 AM

Monday through Tuesday: MBTA Commuter Rail notice for Labor Day holiday period

All Commuter Rail Lines will operate on a weekend schedule on Labor Day, Monday September 2nd.

Affected lines:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin/Foxboro Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston Line
• Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Aug 29 2024 12:00 PM

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

Franklin schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Construction of high rise platform underway as a train enters Franklin/Dean heading into Boston

MBTA Commuter Rail notice: head's up that travel on Friday (Jun 21) may be busy and with delays

The Celtics championship parade is on Friday, June 21st. 

Please consider if your travel is necessary, as crowds and delays for service in both directions are expected. 

Bikes will not be allowed on board.

Learn more: https://mbta.com/celtics

MBTA Commuter Rail notice: head's up that travel on Friday (Jun 21) may be busy and with delays

MBTA offers Free travel on New Year's Eve

"Free travel on all modes after 8 PM New Year's Eve

All subway lines will also be operating with additional service after

3 PM on Sunday, December 31.

Commuter Rail lines will provide late-night service with last trains held at North and South Stations until after midnight. 

See more details here -> https://www.mbta.com/holidays

 

MBTA offers Free travel  on New Year's Eve

Commuter Rail will operate on a normal weekday schedule Monday, Oct 9 (holiday)

On Columbus Day, Monday October 9th, all Commuter Rail lines will operate on a normal weekday schedule.

On the Haverhill Line, buses will continue to replace train service between Reading and Oak Grove and will operate on a weekday schedule as well.

Affected lines:

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Haverhill Line

Lowell Line

Fitchburg Line

Framingham/Worcester Line

Needham Line

Franklin/Foxboro Line

Fairmount Line

Providence/Stoughton Line

Middleborough/Lakeville Line

Kingston Line

Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Oct 02 2023 08:34 AM  https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

Commuter Rail will operate on a normal weekday schedule Monday, Oct 9 (holiday)

MBTA adding trains to the Franklin line during peak periods beginning Oct 2, 2023

"THE MBTA’S commuter rail service operator is preparing to expand service this fall, adding late-night departures from Boston and more trains during peak periods on select lines to meet increased demand.

The commuter rail operator, Keolis Commuter Services, already offers service at roughly one-hour intervals through most of the day. The new schedule, which begins October 2, will add a late train from Boston on weekdays and weekends to accommodate people with unconventional work schedules or those attending late-night events.

On the Providence-Stoughton Line, the last train will now depart Boston at 11:55 p.m., 55 minutes later than the current schedule. Most other train lines will follow similar schedules. The Needham Line, however, is pushing back the last train on weekdays from 11 p.m. to 11:55 p.m., but retaining 10:15 p.m. for the last train on weekends.

Keolis is also adding trains during the morning and evening peak periods on the Lowell, Fitchburg, Franklin, and Worcester lines, reducing the one-hour interval between trains to every 30 to 45 minutes. For example, trains on the Lowell Line will operate every 35 minutes coming into Boston between 6:25 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. and every 30 to 40 minutes departing Boston between 3:55 p.m. and 6:20 p.m."

Continue reading the article -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/ts-commuter-rail-adding-late-night-peak-service/

MBTA article -> https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-09-11/commuter-rail-announces-fallwinter-schedule-take-effect-october-2

Keolis press release -> https://www.keoliscs.com/news/commuter-rail-announces-fall-winter-schedule-to-take-effect-october-2nd/

The NEW Schedules are not yet available but should be posted here when ready     https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

MBTA adding trains to the Franklin line during peak periods beginning Oct 2, 2023

MBTA Commuter Rail notice - Trains on Monday will operate on a weekend schedule

All Commuter Rail lines will operate on a weekend schedule on Labor Day, Monday September 4.

Affected lines:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin/Foxboro Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston Line
• Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Aug 30 2023 07:35 AM

The Franklin line schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

The Franklin line schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

MBTA Commuter Rail notice effective Sep 1, 2023

Beginning September 1st, 2023, normal fares will resume throughout the MBTA system. Passengers will no longer be able to display CharlieCards for travel to/from select stations on the Commuter Rail.

Affected lines:

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Haverhill Line

Lowell Line

Fitchburg Line

Framingham/Worcester Line

Needham Line

Franklin/Foxboro Line

Providence/Stoughton Line

Middleborough/Lakeville Line

Kingston Line

Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Aug 24 2023 02:32 PM

Shared from -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

MBTA Commuter Rail notice effective Sep 1, 2023

Reminder: Shuttle busses between Franklin & Walpole on Aug 19 & Aug 20 to allow for track work

MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) posted on Tue, Aug 08, 2023:

"Franklin Line Diversion

On Saturday, August 19th & Sunday, August 20th, buses will replace regular weekend train service between Forge Park/495 and Walpole.

This diversion allows for work on the Franklin double track project. https://t.co/NiAtJ6edei"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MBTA_CR/status/1688889688516403201

Franklin line diversion Aug 19 & Aug 20 - busses between Franklin & Walpole

MBTA Commuter Rail: Franklin line diversion Aug 19 & Aug 20 - busses between Franklin & Walpole

MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) posted on Tue, Aug 08, 2023:

"Franklin Line Diversion

On Saturday, August 19th & Sunday, August 20th, buses will replace regular weekend train service between Forge Park/495 and Walpole.

This diversion allows for work on the Franklin double track project. https://t.co/NiAtJ6edei"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MBTA_CR/status/1688889688516403201

Franklin line diversion Aug 19 & Aug 20 - busses between Franklin & Walpole

Spring/Summer schedule is now in effect for Franklin's Commuter Rail

The Spring/Summer schedule is now in effect on all Commuter Rail lines. Visit MBTA.com to check the minor adjustments we implemented for better seasonal performance.

The Spring/Summer schedule maintains the same frequent weekday service introduced in Spring 2021, with a few changes to train times in order to factor in track work and seasonal events.

• Many flag stops will also be converted into regular station stops.
• On Monday, May 29th (Memorial Day), Tuesday, July 4th (Independence Day) and Monday, September 4th (Labor Day), all lines will operate on a weekend schedule.
• On Monday, June 19th (Juneteenth), Monday, July 3rd (Day before Independence Day), and Monday, October 9th (Columbus Day), all lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
• For all holiday schedules, please check MBTA.com/holidays.

Affected lines:

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Haverhill Line

Lowell Line

Fitchburg Line

Framingham/Worcester Line

Needham Line

Franklin/Foxboro Line  -> (full schedule - PDF)   https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_6495/2023-spring-summer-cr-franklin-line.pdf

Fairmount Line

Providence/Stoughton Line

Middleborough/Lakeville Line

Kingston Line

Greenbush Line

Last Updated: May 19 2023 07:58 AM

Shared from -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Spring/Summer schedule is now in effect for Franklin's Commuter Rail

Mass Housing Project has released #Residensity, a cool tool for the Franklin zoning & housing discussion

"Extra, Extra 📰: Our latest data tool is now live. It allows for parcel analyses anywhere in MA. That's 2.16M parcels in the database. 

We hope #Residensity will help communities envision how to effectively address their housing needs. 

This thread outlines what it can do.⬇️"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/mhphousing/status/1626326817568169988

Or read the thread in this PDF document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iaKB_0goRut40A1TWocBgECQTw2edbyG/view?usp=share_link

Or go directly to #Residenisty and start playing  https://residensity.mhp.net/

I set up a neighborhood using the .5 miles around the Franklin/Dean Depot Station. You can view the output of that here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gPg1jZP-r0gXnTrNgUk1PMZwAfjuczD-/view?usp=share_link

Mass Housing Project has released #Residensity, a cool tool for the Franklin zoning & housing discussion

MBTA Commuter Rail: A Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule change is starting January 23, 2023

Monday, January 23, 2023 - a new Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule will go into effect. This schedule adjustment will prevent train conflicts between Readville & South Station after the opening of Pawtucket station (Prov Line) and offer improved on-time performance. For more information: https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/2023-01-03-cr-franklin-foxboro-fall-winter-schedule.pdf Last Updated: Jan 04 2023 11:03 AM MBTA Franklin Line Schedules ->   https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

MBTA Commuter Rail: A Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule change is starting January 23, 2023

MBTA Commuter Rail Schedule Alert: a weekend schedule will run on both November 24 & 25

"The Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24th as well as on the following day, Friday, November 25th.

Buses will continue to replace weekend train service between Rockport and Beverly.

For more information: https://mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Nov 10 2022 03:41 PM "

The Franklin line schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

MBTA Commuter Rail Schedule Alert: a weekend schedule will run on both November 24 & 25

MBTA: Upcoming service changes that might affect your travel

This weekend and next week, the following lines will have service changes:

View this email in your browser  Riders are no longer required to wear a mask while on the T, except for on The RIDE. The MBTA continues to follow CDC guidelines in encouraging people to wear face masks on public transit.  For the latest information about COVID-19 safety precautions, riders should check mbta.com/coronavirus. This weekend and next week, the following lines will have service changes: Red Line — Weekdays Orange Line — Weekdays, and weekends Green Line — all day, every day Commuter Rail — Weekends, weekdays, and ongoing Subway Red Line JFK/UMASS – Braintree August 8 – 11 8:45 PM until end of service  Shuttles will run between JFK/UMASS – Braintree from 8:45 PM to end of service for trackwork. Learn more about Red Line transformation projects See all Red Line service changes Green Line Heath St – Copley August 6 – 21, all day every day E Branch service will be suspended between Copley and Heath St from August 6 – 21 for track and infrastructure upgrades. Customers can use Route 39 bus service as an alternate.    Learn more about Green Line infrastructure upgrades See all Green Line service changes Government Center – Union Square August 22 – September 18, all day every day Green Line service will be suspended from Monday, August 22 through Sunday, September 18. This suspension will help facilitate the opening of the Medford Branch and to allow crews to perform final-phase construction work. Shuttles will replace Green Line service between Government Center and Union Square.  Learn more about Green Line transformation projects Orange Line Oak Grove – Forest Hills August 19 – September 18, all day every day Orange Line service will be suspended from Friday, August 19 at 9 PM through Sunday, September 18. This suspension will allow for upgrades and improvements of track and signal systems along the line.   Commuter Rail service alternative: Riders commuting to downtown are encouraged to use the Commuter Rail. Zone 1A, 1, and 2 fares can be paid simply by showing a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket on ALL Commuter Rail lines. During these 30 days, most passing south-side Needham and Providence Line Commuter Rail trains will stop at Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, and South Station. On the north-side, Haverhill Line Commuter Rail trains will stop at Oak Grove, Malden Center, and North Station. Riders can use other existing MBTA bus and subway services to complete their trips, along with free accessible shuttle buses servicing the Orange Line. MBTA travel alternatives: Green Line E Branch Silver Line 4 Free shuttle buses between Oak Grove and Haymarket, and then to Government Center Free shuttle buses between Forest Hills and Back Bay, and then to Copley Route 39 bus, servicing Forest Hills – Back Bay Station CT2 bus, servicing Sullivan Square – Ruggles Station  Orange Line travel alternatives Learn more about Building a Better T in 2022   Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line August 6 – 7, all weekend On the weekend of August 6 – 7, Fitchburg Line Train 1411/2411 (originally 5:50 PM from North Station) will depart North Station at 6:35 PM and operate 45 minutes behind the advertised spring/summer schedule. This service change will allow for work on the North Station Signal Improvement Project. Learn more about the North Station Signal Improvement Project See all Commuter Rail service changes Newburyport/Rockport August 5 – 7, Friday, and all weekend On weekends July 30 – August 28 as well as weekdays August 4 – 5 and August 15 – 19, buses will replace service between Beverly and North Station to allow for work on the signal improvement project. Buses will operate to/from North Station. Learn more about the North Station Signal Improvement Project See all Commuter Rail service changes

CommonWealth Magazine: "Calculating the right price for commuter rail"

"RIDERS ON THE MBTA commuter rail know that the network is significantly more expensive than the T’s local bus and subway service. It’s due for a change now.

For any trip on the Commuter Rail within I-95, local bus and subway service is often cheaper. It costs $7 to travel from Needham Heights to South Station and from Waltham to North Station. Route 59 to the Green Line in Newton? $2.40. Route 70 to the Red Line in Cambridge? $2.40.

These examples are not just anomalies within the system. The commuter rail gets proportionally more expensive closer to the Boston terminals. With the significant difference in cost, it’s clear why the commuter rail is not a popular option for many in the Greater Boston area, especially in communities closer to downtown. In 2018, Waltham saw about 500 passengers board the Fitchburg Line each day. At the Riverside Green Line station in Newton, over 1,800 passengers boarded the Green Line that same day."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/calculating-the-right-price-for-commuter-rail/

Note: for my 2 cents, pricing for commuter rail is not the only factor. Consider the cost for parking at the station, a better schedule, and reliability of on-time service as the key factors to increase ridership along with the commuter rail fare.

CommonWealth Magazine: "Calculating the right price for commuter rail"

MBTA Commuter Rail challenges highlighted by incident on Worcester Line

"Tarang Shah of TransitMatters uses a breakdown on the Worcester commuter rail line to provide some valuable lessons on what's still missing as the MBTA tries to provide reliable service." 

Read the article online ->  https://t.co/XMTdcn1Syc  

or here ->
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/a-breakdown-provides-lessons-on-reliable-train-service/

MBTA Commuter Rail challenges highlighted by incident on Worcester Line

Starting October 11: Commuter Rail schedule change

The new Fall/Winter Commuter Rail schedules go into effect on Monday, October 11th. Visit MBTA.com or pick your schedule at South Station, North Station or Back Bay to see how we adapted our service for better seasonal performance.

The Fall/Winter schedule maintains the same frequent weekday service introduced this spring, with a few changes to train times in order to factor in slippery rail and snow.

The bike policy has also been updated: bikes are no longer accepted on board trains arriving in Boston between 6:30 am and 10:00 am or departing Boston between 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

Weekend service remains the same and busing continues:
- between West Gloucester and Rockport on the Rockport Line to allow for work on the Gloucester drawbridge.
- between Littleton/495 and Wachusett on the Fitchburg Line to facilitate Positive Train Control Implementation work.

Holiday service:
On Thursday, November 25th, 2021 (Thanksgiving Day), Saturday, December 25th, 2021 (Christmas Day), and Saturday, January 1st, 2022 (New Years Day), all lines will operate on a weekend schedule.
On Friday, November 26th, 2021 (Day after Thanksgiving), Friday, December 24th, 2021 (Christmas Eve) and Friday, December 31st, 2021 (New Years Eve), all lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule. 

For more information on holiday service on the Commuter Rail or other MBTA transit networks, passengers can visit MBTA.com/holidays.

Fall/Winter - Franklin Line schedule

https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2021-fall/10-11-2021-cr-fall-franklin.pdf

Last Updated: Oct 04 2021 02:28 PM 

Starting October 11: Commuter Rail schedule change

South Station Air Rights Project: Construction Update - September 17, 2021

View this email in your browser The following is an update on construction activity for the South Station Air Rights Project. As construction progresses into Stage 2, work will transition from the station and concourse areas into established construction work zones adjacent to Atlantic Avenue, including Track 13 on east side of the railyard and the primary Tower Work Zone. We will continue to send construction advisories to outline the project progress and schedule, as well as any passenger impacts. We also encourage you to visit the project website and check out the updated Project Photos and Documents page to see the new gallery of construction photos.  During construction, crews will continue to work as efficiently as possible to minimize impacts to the traveling public. We appreciate your patience and engagement during this time.  Construction Update - September 17, 2021 Suffolk Construction, the contractor for the South Station Air Rights Project, will continue daytime and overnight construction at South Station. Please allow extra time (5–10 minutes) as you get used to new construction zones and paths of travel at the station. Trains might arrive and depart on a different track than what is typical. Be sure to check your track number before boarding. Photo taken on September 14, 2021 showing work on the steel structure that will cover the railyard.  Activity on Tracks and Platforms The contractor is currently erecting a steel structure that will cover the entire railyard, which will support the expanded bus terminal. The next phase of steel erection has begun, and the structure (which is currently over Tracks 1-6) has begun to cover Tracks 7, 8, 9 & 10. The contractor will continue to place concrete on the new steel structure above the tracks as the structure is completed.    In the Tower Work Zone, the contractor is continuing with pre-excavation operations to support installation of the tower deep foundation elements, which will begin in October. This work will be entirely behind the construction barriers, but customers may hear work and experience vibrations from it.    In the next few weeks, a second crane will be set up to assist with the construction of the steel structure and the expansion of the bus terminal. This crane will be located between the station and the Post Office (adjacent to Track 13). Once it is operational, Track 13 will continue to operate normally during the day, but will be closed between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. The overhead canopy, located between Tracks 12 and 13 will be removed in October. This work will occur at night. Pedestrian travel routes will be maintained at all times and clearly delineated. There will be access to CharlieCard validators used for the Fairmount Line.   The common platform has expanded around the work zone, providing direct access to all tracks. Passengers can use the new bifold doors near Tracks 1 and 2 to access the outdoor concourse and platforms. The other sets of doors are now closed. The contractor has also completed the infill of Tracks 1 and 2, further expanding the platform. Activity in Atlantic Avenue Area A crane, located in the Atlantic Avenue Work Zone, is currently erecting the steel structure for the new bus terminal expansion and parking garage overbuild.   The lane on Atlantic Avenue formerly available for parking will continue to be used for pedestrian access around the work zone while steel erection work continues.   Commuters traveling between the South Station concourse and the South Station bus terminal are encouraged to use the Platform A walkway to bypass the expanded Atlantic Avenue Work Zone. Activity in Summer Street Plaza Area Work in this area is taking place behind construction barriers. This area serves as the main construction access for the Tower Work Zone. A uniformed police officer is stationed in the area when the gate is in use. Pedestrian travel routes will be maintained at all times and clearly delineated. There will be access to CharlieCard validators used for the Fairmount Line.  For more information: Visit the project website, www.southstationairrights.com If you have questions, please email the project team: team@southstationairrights.com  Project hotline (for complaints, emergencies, and general inquiries): 617-445-3500 The schedule for this infrastructure project is weather dependent and subject to change without notice. Please encourage your friends, colleagues, and neighbors who may be interested in this project to sign up for email alerts as well. Visit www.southstationairrights.com for more information.

South Station Air Rights · 51 Franklin St Ste 400 · Boston, MA 02110-1335 · USA