WORCESTER – The MBTA has proposed several changes to its transit service to match ridership demands resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the elimination of weekend service on the Worcester-Framingham commuter rail line.
The proposed changes are part of the T’s Forging Ahead efforts to protect its essential transit services.
The Worcester-Framingham line is currently deemed as “Below baseline levels of services provided.”
The MBTA will host a series of virtual public hearings regarding the changes in the coming weeks, including one Tuesday , November 10, from 6 PM to 8 PM that will discuss changes in the Worcester area.
The proposed Commuter Rail changes would go into effect in January. The MBTA has not yet decided if the changes will be permanent and will restore service based on ridership.
“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on ridership and the MBTA is releasing these proposed changes to adjust to the realities created by COVID-19, while protecting service for those who depend on it most,” said General Manager Steve Poftak. “I want to reassure our riders that these service changes are not permanent, do not include any fare changes, and will not take effect immediately. We are carrying out a comprehensive outreach process and encourage all members of the public to provide comments and feedback, as we want to hear from riders to help us identify and protect the services that support transit-critical populations and communities.”
According to the MBTA, the Commuter Rail is experiencing approximately 13 percent of its pre-COVID ridership with about 8.5 percent of its normal ridership during morning peak periods.
For the Commuter Rail, the changes would include:
- No evening service after 9 p.m.
- No weekend service (except for the Fairmount Line, which will be bused).
- Decreased weekday peak service and some midday service, reducing from 505 trains (fall 2019) to 430 trains.
- Close six (out of 141) stations based on low ridership, operational impacts, and availability of alternatives.
- Specific service levels by line will take into account ridership patterns from adjusted Fall 2020 schedules with more balanced service throughout day.
For more information on the MBTA’s Forging Ahead plan, click here.
