New MBTA Commuter Rail Schedules For Fall, Winter: What To Know

BOSTON, MA — There will be a host of changes to MBTA commuter rail lines across the region with the fall and winter schedules set to go into effect on Oct. 17 — although some changes will start sooner.

In addition to seasonal changes due to falling leaves and winter weather, the MBTA has upgrades — and some reductions — planned for commuters who ride in from Worcester, Providence, Fitchburg and the North Shore.

The changes for the 2022-23 winter come as the commuter rail system has seen steadily increasing ridership compared to a low point when the coronavirus pandemic began in 2020. After Labor Day, commuter rail ridership was near 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to transit officials.

The commuter rail system will continue to use "clockface" scheduling during the colder months. Under that system, trains depart at each station at the same time each hour. The T will also begin running two special trains that wash tracks to clear leaves and other autumn debris. Train engineers will also accelerate more slowly and brake earlier during leaf season.

Here's what to know about the fall and winter changes starting Oct. 17 (unless otherwise noted) for commuter rail lines across the region:

Framingham-Worcester Line

The T will return hourly service to every station along the line. The T removed some of those trips in the spring due to construction projects, including the new platform at Union Station in Worcester. The Heart to Hub express trains from Worcester to Boston will also remain through the winter months.

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Between Oct 15 and Dec. 18, buses will replace commuter rail trains between Beverly and Rockport due to work on a positive train control system.

Fitchburg Line

From Oct. 17 to mid-November, plan for slower travel times due to track work. Inbound trips will increase by about 15 minutes because trains will have to use a single track in construction areas. Some inbound trips starting at the Wachusett station will start 8 minutes later.

Haverhill Line

Commuter rail trails will continue to serve the Oak Grove station, which was reactivated during the Orange Line shut down. The increase in service at Forest Hills, Ruggles and Back Bay will also stay for riders riding in from southeastern areas.

Providence, Kingston, Middleborough Lines

Trains will leave later from Wickford Junction in Rhode Island to reduce layovers in Providence. The T will also remove the first weekday outbound trains on the Middleborough and Kingston lines; the Kingston line will also remove the first weekend outbound trains.

See all MBTA commuter rail schedules here