Newburyport/Rockport Line Achieves Highest Weekend Ridership and Best October On-time Performance Ever during City of Salem's Haunted Happenings

Overall ridership on Newburyport/Rockport Line exceeds 400,000 for month of October.

Approximately 21,000 people rode the Newburyport/Rockport Line on Halloween.

The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the agency’s operating partner for Commuter Rail, today announced that in October 2023 the Newburyport/Rockport Line saw the best overall October on-time performance and highest levels of weekend ridership ever during the Haunted Happenings events in Salem. Extra weekend Commuter Rail service to and from Salem was added as part of the City of Salem’s efforts to encourage people to take public transportation to Haunted Happenings.

“We’re pleased to see this bump in Salem ridership and glad so many riders chose mass transportation over driving. This is a great example of ridership returning to the T because the public trusts that we can get them to their destinations quickly, safely, and on time,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Thank you to our partners at Keolis for providing flexible, more convenient service for the public and offering such a festive experience for Commuter Rail riders traveling between North Station and Salem.”

“We are pleased to report a substantial increase in weekend ridership and strong overall performance to and from Salem during the month of October,” said Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis Commuter Services. “The additional service provided commuters with more flexibility and options, making it easier to choose Commuter Rail over travel by car. Thank you to everyone who chose Commuter Rail this Halloween season. We look forward to continuing to be a part of Salem’s Halloween traditions.”

“I’m grateful to our partners at Keolis and the MBTA for all of their support during this October season,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “Welcoming over a million visitors to our historic city in one month is no small operation, and it’s only possible with the MBTA and Keolis’ pro-active engagement and thoughtful planning to help make sure it all goes smoothly. The best way to come to Salem is to use public transportation, and the Commuter Rail is the foremost public transportation option available.”

Read the full press release.