Ridership up 16%, Cape Flyer ridership up 6% compared to last year

September 10, 2024 (BOSTON, MA) – This summer, sales of the popular $10 weekend Commuter Rail pass increased by 40% compared to 2023. The data from Keolis Commuter Services, the operating partner for the MBTA’s Commuter Rail system, shows that more than 230,000 passes were sold between Memorial Day and Labor Day, compared to about 160,000 sold over the same period last year. This coincided with a 16% increase in overall ridership this summer.

Cape Flyer ridership was up 6% compared to 2023 as well.

“The public deserves safe, reliable and robust service and we are committed to continuously seeking ways to better serve communities and businesses. As travel patterns have changed, we've seen significant growth in discretionary travel, especially on weekends, thanks to our $10 weekend pass,” said MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “Making mass transportation affordable gives the public more travel options. Weekend passes, income-eligible fares, student fares, and senior fares all make a difference to those who rely on us. Ensuring that our transportation system improves quality of life and supports economic vitality will always be a priority.”

“We are thrilled to see passengers taking advantage of the popular $10 weekend and holiday pass,” said Keolis GM and CEO Abdellah Chajai. “The Commuter Rail is not only about getting people to and from work during the week. Riders are clearly taking advantage of the train on weekends to travel to Boston, Cape Cod, and other destinations.”

"We are excited to report a 6% rise in ridership for this year's CapeFLYER season," said Cape Cod RTA Administrator Tom Cahir. "This increase highlights the growing popularity of the service and reflects our commitment to providing reliable, eco-friendly transportation to Cape Cod. We're grateful for the continued support from our riders and look forward look forward to serving even more passengers in the future."

The $10 weekend pass allows for unlimited travel anywhere on the Commuter Rail on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on federal holidays. The Cape Flyer operates service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Boston and Hyannis.

Keolis Commuter Services has marked its tenth year operating and maintaining the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s commuter rail system, the fifth largest commuter rail operation in North America. KCS is a subsidiary of Keolis North America (KNA), both headquartered in Boston, and employs approximately 2,400 people throughout the region. KCS and KNA are part of Keolis Group, an innovative global leader in transit services with more than a century of passenger transportation experience and operations in 13 countries.

###