September 11, 2025 |Holidays, MBTA, News, Transportation

MBTA to Provide Expanded Weekend Commuter Rail Service to Support Haunted Happenings in Salem 

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From the MBTA:

Extra trains will operate on all October weekends

The MBTA with its Commuter Rail operating and maintenance partner Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis) will operate increased weekend train service to and from Salem during the month of October.  

Several extra trains will run on Saturdays and Sundays during peak times on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line. The increase in service will help accommodate visitors to Salem for Haunted Happenings events, and the schedule will be available soon at mbta.com/cr. Passengers can utilize the unlimited $10 Weekend Commuter Rail Pass for their journey to and from Salem. 

“Salem is a fun destination all year round, but it’s a must-visit every October for the Halloween season. The MBTA is proud to do our part to bring thousands of passengers to and from Salem’s Haunted Happenings with expanded weekend Commuter Rail trips this October,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Leave your cars at home and enjoy the train, including using our $10 weekend Commuter Rail pass for expanded, frequent rail service to the Witch City this October for the month-long celebration.” 

“Take the stress out of getting to Salem this October by riding Commuter Rail,” said Keolis CEO and General Manager John Killeen. “The train is about a 30-minute ride from North Station and passengers can purchase $10 weekend passes for unlimited rides. Keolis is pleased to partner with the MBTA and the City of Salem to offer expanded service again this year.”  

“Salem is a fun and vibrant city, and we want everyone in our community – residents, workers, and visitors – to have a safe and enjoyable October. Because there is limited parking in Salem, we strongly encourage visitors to consider alternative ways to get here. 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 an additional ferry to and from Hingham. So, this October, take the train, take the ferry, come by bike, or come by broom – you’ll have a much more enjoyable visit!” 

Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo

“I’d like to once again welcome all the visitors we will have this October,” said Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller.“Come to Salem, enjoy Haunted Happenings, and stay safe. Please do take public transportation. We want to make sure that there will be room for everyone and we just don’t have enough parking spaces. Please also remember that Salem is not just Halloween Central, it is our home. We need to go to school, the grocery store, the doctor’s office, and a hundred other places while others celebrate Halloween. Please be courteous, please look out for children, and please get home safely. The Salem Police Department will be augmented by police colleagues from around the Commonwealth in order to keep everyone safe, but sometimes the best judge of whether something is suspicious is you. Keep your wits about you and call us if you think you might need the police.” 

The Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line saw a 25% increase in ridership in October 2024 compared to the previous year. Over 170,000 passengers rode the train to Salem during October weekends in 2024, versus 110,000 in 2023.  

On Halloween, trains will operate on a normal weekday schedule with trains to and from Salem every 30 minutes for most of the day.  

On Monday, October 13, the Commuter Rail will also operate a regular weekday schedule, and $10 Weekend Commuter Rail Passes will be extended for that day. 

Full-sized bicycles and scooters will not be allowed on any weekend trains on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line.  

For more information, please visit mbta.com or connect with the T on X @MBTA and @MBTA_CR, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, Threads @thembta, or TikTok @thembta. 

About the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) opened America’s first subway tunnel in 1897, pioneering public transportation in the United States. Today, the MBTA is one of the largest public transit systems in the country, operating an extensive network of subway, bus, Commuter Rail, ferry, and paratransit services across 176 cities and towns. The MBTA is undergoing a transformative period, focusing on cultivating a culture of safety and excellence, modernizing infrastructure, and improving reliability and accessibility. Current priorities include accelerating critical infrastructure repairs, expanding accessibility, and reducing emissions. The MBTA is committed to providing dependable, frequent, and accessible service that riders can rely on while supporting the region’s economic vitality. Through initiatives like the unprecedented Track Improvement Program, Bus Network Redesign, and Rail Vision, the MBTA aims to connect communities and improve riders’ daily experiences and trips. For questions or assistance, riders are encouraged to contact the MBTA Customer Center at 617-222-3200.

Members of the press are encouraged to contact mediarelations@mbta.com. For the latest updates on MBTA services, projects, and initiatives, visit MBTA.com or follow @MBTA on social media.