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,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “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!” 

“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, Commuter Rail will also operate on 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.

Keolis Commuter Services has operated and maintained the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s commuter rail system, the sixth largest commuter rail operation in North America, for over ten years. KCS is a subsidiary of Keolis North America (KNA), both headquartered in Boston, and employs approximately 2,500 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.    

###