Salem Halloween 2023: Commuter Rail Ready For Weekend Witch City Rush

SALEM, MA — A week after much of the extra MBTA commuter rail service planned for Salem was canceled because of what were called "crew availability issues," Keolis and the MBTA are ready to go full steam ahead into this weekend with a complete slate of regular and additonal service.

Eleven of the 56 trains set to stop in Salem last weekend were canceled starting Sunday morning and into the afternoon because of staffing issues. But Keolis spokesperson Alana Westwater told Patch on Friday that officials were able to restore full regular and the additional service by Sunday night, it ran throughout the Monday holiday, and that she anticipates no issues operating the enhanced service this weekend.

"We know that demand is just getting higher as we get closer to Halloween and we are looking forward to helping everyone get to Salem to enjoy the Haunted Happenings events," she told Patch.

(Also on Patch: Salem Police On Heighten Halloween Alert Following Israel Attacks)

Westwater noted that at least one train stopped in Salem each hour throughout the day on Sunday, despite the cancellations, and that the MBTA and Keolis were able to move more than 19,000 passengers in and out of the city that day.

MBTA and city officials had boasted last week that they were increasing train frequency to two trains per hour to and from Salem during October with additional service both to Boston and north to Beverly. There had been planned 10 more inbound trains daily from Salem to North Station, with at least 10 trains after 6 p.m.

There were also to be eight additional outbound trains from North Station to Salem, and seven more outbound trains from Salem to Beverly.

Salem Ferry capacity is also increasing from 150 passengers per boat to one that can carry up to 600 passengers later this month.

"We do not anticipate having any issues this weekend," she said. "I think the mayor of Salem (Dominick Pangallo) has done such a great job reminding everyone that getting to Salem should not be something difficult and that riders can plan ahead and enjoy a 30-minute ride there (from Boston) on the train."

The Commuter Rail continues to offer the $10 weekend pass that allows for unlimited travel on the trains to all stops — including Salem.

For those who do not have great access to the Commuter Rail or the harbor route, the city does have more than 1,300 spots available at three satellite lots located at Salem State University, Salem Hospital and Salem High School with free shuttle service to Riley Plaza.

Officials continue to implore visitors — which can number more than 100,000 on weekends — not to drive downtown because of extensive parking restrictions, traffic and parking garages that fill up early each morning.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)