Politics & Government

New MBTA Framingham/Worcester Schedule Includes Rush Hour Express Stops

Sen. Karen Spilka: "I am thrilled that the new Framingham/Worcester line schedule now best reflects the needs of MetroWest commuters, our local businesses and our community."

The MBTA announced this week a new Framingham/Worcester line commuter rail schedule, boosting service on the entire line, including the addition of trains and stops in Framingham, Ashland and Natick. 

The schedule will go into effect on March 10.

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“Public transportation must be dependable, reliable and consistent for all commuters,” said State Senator Karen Spilka, who represents Framingham. “I am thrilled that the new Framingham/Worcester line schedule now best reflects the needs of MetroWest commuters, our local businesses and our community.”

Earlier proposed changes to the schedule eliminated important rush hour express train stops in Natick and Framingham, resulting in significant gaps in service during critical commuting times, said Spilka. 

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Spilka's office said it heard from many constituents who rely on the commuter rail for transportation to and from Boston and have chosen to live in these areas based on their close proximity to commuter rail stops.

In response to these concerns, Spilka worked closely with the MBTA to maintain the beneficial increases in service for Ashland and restore the cut express train stops in Framingham and Natick.

The new schedule includes morning and evening rush hour express trains include a stop in Framingham, and the evening rush hour commute includes an added stop in Natick.

The MBTA Worcester/Framingham commuter rail line is about 45 miles long.

“I would like to thank everyone for their patience,” said MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott in a press release. “We’re very excited about launching this new era in the continuing process of improving the Worcester/Framingham Commuter Rail Line.”

The new schedule follows the completion of renovations at the Yawkey commuter rail station.

To view the new schedule, visit http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Upcoming_Schedules/Commuter_Rail/Worcester.


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