Worcester Express Commuter Rail Trains To Return This Spring

WORCESTER, MA — The MBTA's spring and summer schedules will go into effect later in May, and with the new schedules comes the return of a daily express train between Worcester and Boston.

The "Heart To Hub" train carries commuters between New England's two largest cities in about one hour. The train began in May 2016, offering a single express train to Boston in the morning and a single train back to Worcester in the evening. The MBTA cut the express trains during the pandemic, and brought them back briefly for the first time in November 2020 before suspending service in December 2020.

The return of the express train will happen as the MBTA cuts midday commuter rail service due to construction projects happening along the Worcester-Framingham line.

Those projects include the addition of a second platform at Union Station, the ongoing rebuild of the Natick Center station and rail tie upgrades along the length of the commuter rail line between Worcester and Framingham.

“As we continue to welcome more Commuter Rail riders back to the system, we’re excited to continue to offer the popular regional rail-style of schedule that offers service at predictable intervals throughout the day while also making further improvements to service, like the return of express trains between Worcester and Boston,” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said in a news release.

The spring and summer 2022 schedules go into effect on May 23, according commuter rail operator Keolis.