Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that it has achieved formal compliance with the Commonwealth’s MBTA Communities law, also known as Section 3A of the Zoning Act. As of June 2026, Franklin is the 157th municipality in Massachusetts to comply with the law.
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) recently completed its review of Franklin’s compliance application and confirmed that the Town’s designated General Residential V, Commercial I, Crossing Neighborhood and Downtown Commercial districts meet the requirements of Section 3A and the state’s implementing regulations.
Franklin is designated as a Commuter Rail community under the law. The Town’s compliance district includes approximately 103.6 acres and provides for an estimated 1,955 multifamily housing units, with at least 75% of the required land area and unit capacity located within one-half mile of a transit station.
EOHLC recognized the Town’s work to meet the requirements of the MBTA Communities law and formally determined that Franklin’s district satisfies the state’s compliance requirements.
“This is an important milestone for Franklin and reflects a great deal of work by Town staff, boards and committees,” said Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. “The Town has worked to meet the requirements of the MBTA Communities law while taking a thoughtful approach to planning for Franklin’s future and the housing needs of our community.”
The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the T’s operations and maintenance partner for Commuter Rail, announced today that fare gates at Ruggles Station will begin operating on Monday, August 3.
“The installation of Commuter Rail fare gates at Ruggles is just the next step by the MBTA as we follow through on our commitment to improve fare collection and reinvest back into the system that our riders depend on,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “With gates already in service at North and South Stations and coming soon to Back Bay, we’re demonstrating to the public that every fare makes a difference toward improving service for everyone. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and our Legislative partners for their leadership and support of public transit, to the MBTA and Keolis project teams for their dedication in delivering the fare gates project, and to our riders at Ruggles for their patience and understanding.”
“The introduction of fare gates at Ruggles Station continues the effort to improve and modernize fare collection across the Commuter Rail system,” said Keolis CEO and General Manager John Killeen. “Our goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible for passengers. Staff will be on site at Ruggles to address any questions or concerns as the gates are activated.”
The station will feature seven fare gates, including two wider, accessible gates that provide sufficient room for wheelchairs, scooters, bicycles, luggage, and strollers.
Once the fare gates are operational, riders will notice the following fare collection changes:
Riders will be required to tap or scan their tickets or passes to enter and exit at Ruggles.
Riders will still need to show tickets to conductors on board to verify that their ticket zone matches their trip.
Riders who arrive at Ruggles without tickets will be required to purchase them through the mTicket app or from a staff member stationed at the gates.
Passengers can use the following types of tickets to exit and enter the gates: the mTicket app, CharlieCards and CharlieTickets with printed zones, $10 Weekend Pass paper tickets, Amtrak tickets, and active military IDs. Reduced fare passengers must still buy a ticket or pass (at a reduced rate). Stored value CharlieCards used for the bus and subway are not accepted at Commuter Rail fare gates.
Customer service staff at Ruggles are available to assist passengers with questions about the fare gates. Project details and more information are posted online at MBTA.com/CRgates, including a how-to video.
The use of fare gates improves fare collection, replaces platform ticket checks, and creates a more consistent fare-paying experience for passengers across transit modes. The design and configuration of the fare gates build on the lessons learned during the implementation of gates at North Station in 2022 and South Station in 2025, and incorporate global best practices in fare collection.
At South Station, mTicket activations have grown by 32% compared to this time last year, and on-board ticket sales have grown by 16% for lines serving South Station following the installation of fare gates. Passengers have tapped tickets or passes more than 19.5 million times at North Station and South Station since the gates were introduced. The next station to receive fare gates is Back Bay Station, where they are expected to begin operating in early 2027.
Children's Museum of Franklin is excited to welcome the community to a special ribbon-cutting celebration for a brand-new interactive feature in the Museum's Transportation Area, generously designed and created by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, July 8 at 1:00 PM at Children's Museum of Franklin and will feature representatives from the MBTA, local officials, community leaders, Museum supporters, and families.
an early view of the train table when the Museum opened Sep 2025
“On behalf of the MBTA, I want to thank Children’s Museum of Franklin for partnering with us to bring this customized railroad crossing signal to the Museum,” said MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan. “We hope this hands-on exhibit helps visitors better understand how crossing signals keep people safe and we hope to see it inspire the next generation of train engineers, signal experts, conductors, and other transit professionals.”
"Transportation has always been one of the most beloved themes at the Museum, especially with our incredible view of the MBTA’s commuter rail from the exhibit area" said Erin Gallagher, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Children's Museum of Franklin. "We're incredibly grateful to the MBTA for creating a feature that helps children make meaningful connections to the world around them through play."
Since opening in September 2025, Children's Museum of Franklin has welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors from more than 600 towns across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and beyond. The Museum’s beloved Transportation Area was made possible by the generous support of Vendetti Motors.
About the Children's Museum of Franklin
Children's Museum of Franklin is a nonprofit, hands-on museum on a mission to empower children and families to discover, imagine, and grow together through play and exploration. Through interactive exhibits, engaging programming, and a commitment to accessibility and belonging, the Museum creates opportunities for joyful learning for visitors of all ages.
On Monday, June 29, and Thursday July 9, no regular Commuter Rail service to Foxboro or between Readville and Windsor Gardens on matchdays. Shuttle buses will serve Forge Park/495, Franklin, Norfolk, and Walpole, then run express to Canton Junction to meet Providence Line trains. Shuttle Bus Stops: Canton Junction - Parking lot off Sherman St Walpole Station - IB: Main St @ Stone St | OB: Main St @ Glenwood Ave Norfolk - IB: Opp 134 Main St | OB: 134 Main St Franklin - West Central St. @ Main St. Forge Park/495 - Parking Lot off Rt. 140 The Route 34E bus will supplement Franklin Line service between Walpole and Forest Hills, where riders can connect to the Orange Line. Boston Stadium Train service between South Station and Foxboro will operate before and after World Cup matches.
On Thursday, July 9, Franklin/Foxboro Line service will be suspended. Shuttle bus replaces service between Forge Park/495 and Walpole to connect with Providence Line service at Canton Junction. There will be no regular train service to Foxboro.
On Monday, June 29, and Thursday July 9, no regular Commuter Rail service to Foxboro or between Readville and Windsor Gardens on matchdays. Shuttle buses will serve Forge Park/495, Franklin, Norfolk, and Walpole, then run express to Canton Junction to meet Providence Line trains.
Shuttle Bus Stops:
Canton Junction - Parking lot off Sherman St
Walpole Station - IB: Main St @ Stone St | OB: Main St @ Glenwood Ave
Norfolk - IB: Opp 134 Main St | OB: 134 Main St
Franklin - West Central St. @ Main St.
Forge Park/495 - Parking Lot off Rt. 140
The Route 34E bus will supplement Franklin Line service between Walpole and Forest Hills, where riders can connect to the Orange Line.
Boston Stadium Train service between South Station and Foxboro will operate before and after World Cup matches.
Upcoming Road Closure: Saturday, June 13 – Monday, June 15
Starting at 12:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, Beaver Street will close at the MBTA train tracks.
This area will remain closed 24 hours a day until Monday, June 15, at 4:00 PM. A detour will be in place during this time.
This is pipe that will be installed under the tracks while the road is closed on the weekend
Access Details:
- Via Rt. 140 only: Access to 242 through 290 Beaver Street, including Franklin Glass, and Franklin Recreation.
- Via Grove St. only: Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and businesses on Master Drive.
From June 8 through July 12 an adjusted systemwide Spring/Summer schedule will be in effect to accommodate Boston Stadium Train Service for World Cup matches. On match days, World Cup Match Day schedules will be in effect impacting the Franklin/Foxboro Line: Haiti vs Scotland | 6/13 @ 9 PM IRQ/BOL/SUR vs Norway | 6/16 @ 6 PM Scotland vs Morocco | 6/19 @ 6 PM England vs Ghana | 6/23 @ 4 PM Norway vs France | 6/26 @ 3 PM TBD Round of 32 | 6/29 @ 4:30 PM TBD Quarterfinal | 7/9 @ 4 PM
On Monday, May 25th, the Spring/Summer 2026 schedule will go into effect on the Franklin/Foxboro Line. Visit MBTA.com/CR for more information.
From June 8 through July 12 an adjusted systemwide Spring/Summer
schedule will be in effect to accommodate Boston Stadium Train Service for World Cup matches.
On match days, World Cup Match Day schedules will be in effect impacting the Franklin/Foxboro Line:
"The MBTA is asking riders and residents to weigh in on a sweeping long-term investment plan that will guide transit priorities across the state through 2050.
The plan, dubbed “Focus 2050,” is the latest update to the agency’s Program for Mass Transportation, a state-required blueprint that outlines capital needs and investment priorities over the next 25 years.
Officials say the effort is aimed at building a safer, more reliable, and more accessible transit system while preparing for future challenges such as climate change and shifting travel patterns.
“The public, our riders, communities and the businesses we serve can help shape decisions and priorities for the T,” MBTA General Manager and interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng said in a statement. “Feedback is invaluable on what is most meaningful to improve their quality of life.”
Continue reading the article online with this shared link -
FM #1715 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1715 in the series.
(L-r) Chloe Bowser, Ted Cormier-Leger
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 8 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 1 remotely, hence all votes were recorded via roll call.
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
FM #1711 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1711 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
We cover the following key topics
Multiple citizen comments; topics covered = Bellingham battery storage, PorchFest, Quatro Eroi celebration events, & School Committee update
Councilor comments
Recognition of Chloe Bowser, her essay was one of 12 selected for the commissioning of the new submarine USS Massachusetts
3 public hearings opened together for the MBTA zoning bylaw changes required to bring us to full compliance. Of note, to come into compliance while we did tweak our zoning to fit the requirements, we actually reduced the density that was already permitted for that area. All three proposals after clarification questions were answered moved to a second reading (likely April 15)
1 public hearing on the technical changes to the current Crossing Neighborhood District. There were multiple items underway and as the zoning changed were being updated to the town code discrepancy were noted; some sections of a table were left out, some had been updated incorrectly. The changes were approved to move to second reading (also likely for April 15)
Water & sewer extension approved for an area of Union St (actually to allow the new 5 residence development approved for part of the blueberry farm land) to update the water infrastructure to enable the extension. Funding to be provided by the developer
Council entered into Executive Session for bargaining not to return to open meeting
The conversation runs about 15 minutes. Let’s listen in
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
The Franklin (MA) Town Council meet in Council Chambers as scheduled on Wednesday, April 1. 8 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 1 remotely, hence all votes were recorded via roll call.
Multiple citizen comments; topics covered = Bellingham battery storage, PorchFest, Quatro Eroi celebration events, & School Committee update
Councilor comments
Recognition of Chloe Bowser, her essay was one of 12 selected for the commissioning of the new submarine USS Massachusetts
3 public hearings opened together for the MBTA zoning bylaw changes required to bring us to full compliance. Of note, to come into compliance while we did tweak our zoning to fit the requirements, we actually reduced the density that was already permitted for that area. All three proposals after clarification questions were answered moved to a second reading (likely April 15)
1 public hearing on the technical changes to the current Crossing Neighborhood District. There were multiple items underway and as the zoning changed were being updated to the town code discrepancy were noted; some sections of a table were left out, some had been updated incorrectly. The changes were approved to move to second reading (also likely for April 15)
water & sewer extension approved for an area of Union St (actually to allow the new 5 residence development approved for part of the blueberry farm land) to update the water infrastructure to enable the extension. Funding to be provided by the developer
Council entered into Executive Session for bargaining not to return to open meeting
