Commuter Rail Providing Expanded Weekend Service Throughout October to Support Haunted Happenings Events in Salem

Newburyport/Rockport Line saw the highest weekend ridership ever last October.

The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the agency’s operating partner for Commuter Rail, have announced significantly increased train frequency to and from Salem during the month of October. Several extra trains will run on Saturdays and Sundays, and more coaches will be added to trains on the Newburyport/Rockport Line. The increase in service is to accommodate visitors to Salem during Haunted Happenings. The schedule is available at mbta.com/cr.

“Salem is the place to be all year round for happenings, but it’s a must see every Halloween season. We’re ready to bring passengers to Haunted Happenings with more frequent Commuter Rail trips on weekends this October to and from Salem,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We encourage the public to leave their cars at home and enjoy Salem’s festivities in Witch City by taking mass transit. Thank you to our partners at Keolis for providing more frequent scheduled service. As we saw last year, the convenient service for this special month-long event through this great fall schedule was a preferred choice to thousands.”

“Taking the Commuter Rail is the safest and most reliable way to travel to Salem for the Halloween season,” said Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis Commuter Services. “Keolis is pleased to offer expanded service on the weekends, along with several new pass options. Leave the driving to us, buy a $10 weekend pass, and enjoy a smooth trip to the festivities on the Commuter Rail.”

“Salem is a fun and vibrant city,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “However, because we don’t have enough parking to accommodate the number of visitors who come to Salem in October, we strongly encourage visitors to consider alternative ways to travel to our city. There will be an increase in commuter rail trains throughout the month of October, as well as passenger capacity on our ferry to and from Boston, and a new ferry to and from Hingham. So, this October, take the train, take the ferry, come by bike, or come by broom – but leave your car at home. You’ll have a much more enjoyable visit!”

Read the full press release.