The MBTA unveiled its spring schedules on Thursday, which include more frequent service on commuter rail lines and the resumption of seasonal service on regional ferries and the CapeFLYER train. The agency increased service on many of its subway lines and bus routes earlier this month.
On the commuter rail, frequency on the Fairmount Line will increase from every 45 to every 30 minutes, including new weekend service.
In collaboration with the city of Worcester, the MBTA will reintroduce the morning express train, departing Union Station at 7:40 a.m. and arriving at South Station in downtown Boston at 8:45 a.m. The trip will also include stops at Framingham and Lansdowne.
The transit agency also announced station improvements. The Readville lower platform will reopen to riders, offering more transfer options for the Franklin, Foxboro, Providence, Stoughton and Fairmount commuter rail lines. And after three years, service will resume from the South Attleboro Station. Commuter rail service there was suspended in February 2021 due to significant deterioration of the pedestrian overpass, which was demolished last year.
Seasonal transit
The popular CapeFLYER, offering round-trip service between Boston and Cape Cod, will return for the season on Memorial Day weekend. The service runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Labor Day.
And if you’re lucky enough to be able to take the ferry, beginning April 29 there will be increased service on the Winthrop/Quincy ferry line with three additional trips, and added direct Quincy-to-Boston service. The Hingham/Hull Ferry Weekend Service resumes May 25 and the Lynn Ferry will have 11 new weekend trips this season when it begins on Saturday, May 25. East Boston ferry service resumed April 1.
Subway lines and bus routes
Rapid transit service changes went into effect on subway lines earlier this month.
On the Red Line, improved track conditions have resulted in increased frequency. The MBTA said the speedier service has allowed for 24 additional daily trips.
Orange Line frequency during peak travel times has also improved, due to the addition of new trains available for service. That's resulted in 18 additional trips.
Blue Line service now includes more evening trips to meet demand, adding 22 more daily trips. Between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., trains will now come every 8-10 minutes instead of every 12-13 minutes.
Green Line service has also improved due to increased demand and the hiring of additional operators. That includes speedier weekday service during peak hours on all Green Line branches. In addition, some routes now have increased frequency on weekends or added capacity due to more two-car trains. The MBTA said these changes have resulted in 82 more daily trips.
Bus service is also more frequent on several routes due to the hiring of more bus operators. That includes routes 7, 9, 21, 32, 47, 57, 111, 501, SL1 and SL3 during weekdays and weekends with increased Sunday service on Route 1.
Other changes include rerouting buses 83 and 91 around construction areas and adjusted schedules on routes 34 and 121 to more accurately reflect the service that is actually operating so that riders can rely on published bus schedules. The Route 120 schedule was also adjusted to align with changes to the Blue Line.
