Expanded Service To/From Worcester Begins

Marking the beginning of expanded Commuter Rail service on the MBTA’s Worcester/Framingham Commuter Rail Line, Lt. Governor Timothy Murray today commuted to work on one of the new train trips from Worcester to Boston. Lt. Governor Murray joined other commuters on the train that departed Worcester’s Union Station at 6:05 a.m.

Effective today, two early morning trips, trains #500 and #504, now depart from Worcester at 4:45 a.m. and 6:05 a.m., respectively. Additional adjustments to minimize gaps between trips include a 2:40 p.m. outbound trip from Boston to Worcester and a 4:30 p.m. inbound trip from Worcester to Boston, along with other minor adjustments to existing trains. The new Worcester Line schedule can be viewed here on the MBTA’s website.

“These additional trains are good for commuters and for the overall economic development goals of the region,” said Lt Governor Murray. “Giving commuters more convenient options and linking up the two largest cities and points in between in a way that is affordable and environmentally friendly just makes sense.”

‘”With support from the Patrick/Murray Administration, we have been able to make service adjustments that better serve the residents of Central Massachusetts,” said Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen.
Upon careful review of ridership trends, and feedback from customers, T officials determined that minimizing gaps between trips, and accommodating early work shifts were major customer concerns. Noting that these adjustments accommodate both early morning and afternoon customers, the General Manager said, “The addition of the 4:45 a.m. departure from Worcester opens the doors to a brand new ridership base – the early shift. We have heard over the years from nurses and others in the medical field who need to get to Boston area hospitals by 7 a.m. This trip brings folks into South station with sufficient time for them to continue onto their destination.”

Adjustments to the schedule will provide a total of twelve daily round trips between Boston and Worcester.