The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the agency’s operating partner for Commuter Rail, today announced upcoming schedule changes across Commuter Rail to better meet the evolving needs of passengers. These changes will take effect on Monday, November 2. The new schedules will provide new inbound and outbound train options, evenly distributed throughout the day, to enable passengers to travel in and out of Boston during off-peak hours

Beginning on Nov. 2, trains will run more frequently across the network, particularly on routes with large gaps in service throughout the day. Many lines will have trains operating with headways of between 30 and 60 minutes. Passengers on the Middleborough/Lakeville, Newburyport/Rockport lines will see better service options to match ridership demands and promote distancing with more frequent service and easy connections to other modes of transit from cities such as Brockton and Lynn. Express trains have also been added to the Framingham/Worcester Line. These include the Heart to Hub express train with one added stop at Framingham leaving Worcester at 6:30 a.m. and leaving Boston at 4:35 p.m.

Service options will increase on the Fairmount Line with two new trips. These new train options are in addition to eight new trains as part of the Fairmount Enhanced Service Pilot that began on June 22. As part of this pilot, Charlie Cards are now accepted at all Fairmount Line stations with use of special fare validator machines. This enables Fairmount Line passengers to make free transfers to other MBTA bus and subway services.

Fall Commuter Rail Service Schedules are available now at mbta.com/schedules/commuter-rail and will be available for contactless pickup at major stations, such as North Station, Back Bay Station and South Station. Passengers are encouraged to plan trips with the MBTA Commuter Rail app and make purchases using the mTicket app.

 Consistent with best practices initiated during COVID-19, seating in all coach cars on all trains will continue to be available to allow for proper social distance between passengers. Passengers are reminded that face coverings are required when riding Commuter Rail, to stay home if they are feeling unwell and to wash their hands frequently. In addition to regular cleaning, trains are sanitized every 24 hours and many as frequently as every 12 hours. For additional information, please visit mbta.com/coronavirus or mass.gov/COVID19.

-via Press Release