MassDOT & MBTA Look for Public Input on Expanded Commuter Rail Service

For Immediate Release:                                                                               MassDOT Press Office:

September 4, 2013                                                                                                           857-368-8500

Seeking Input from Framingham/Worcester Line Customers on Expanded Schedule

BOSTON – September 4, 2013 – MassDOT and the MBTA today announced that they are seeking public input as new schedules for the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail line are being developed as part of a planned expansion of service coming this fall. 

MBTA General Manager Dr. Beverly Scott said “I’m looking forward to hearing directly from our customers how we can better make our service on the Framingham/Worcester Line work better for them.” 

With 13,000 customers riding the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail line every weekday—and growing— this expansion will build on the additional peak train departures introduced last fall and spring. Additional planned improvements to the Worcester Line include a new station at Yawkey, track and signal upgrades, and adding new trains to the fleet. These investments will increase capacity, allow schedule flexibility, reduce travel time, improve reliability, and enhance safety, comfort and convenience.

The Patrick Administration set forth early in its term to bring expanded transportation opportunities to the greater Worcester area. This increased Commuter Rail service, developed with direct input from riders, will offer more convenient travel options to riders in and out of Boston.

 To help develop an expanded fall 2013 schedule that will best serve customers and stakeholders, The MBTA is looking for customers to take a few moments to answer the questions below:

 What train departure times would increase your use of the line?

Which stations would you recommend as express stops and at what times of day?

(Peak hour express service will be at stations that experience high demand and offer pedestrian and bicycle access and sufficient car and bicycle parking.) 

What train departure times would best serve reverse and off-peak commuters?

What weekend schedules would be most beneficial?

Suggestions should be emailed to worcesterline2013@mbta.com by September 18, 2013.

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