MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line Weekend Service to Resume Sept. 2

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Keolis Commuter Services has announced that weekend service on the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line will resume September 2. This train route that services the Northshore was temporarily shut down on weekends for the installation of positive train control (PTC), which impacted passengers from Salem to Newburyport/Rockport and finished five weeks ahead of schedule.

MBTA and KCS officials took advantage of the service suspension by performing a long list of maintenance, safety and infrastructure repair projects, including new track and grade crossings and other upgrades. With the PTC installation finishing ahead of schedule, rail between Rockport and Gloucester was not replaced due to the shortened time period.

This rail replacement project impacts a four-mile stretch of track in a smaller and more isolated section compared to the PTC work that took place from Newburyport/Rockport to Salem. Holding this project for this separate time period allows service along these lines to resume ahead of schedule, returning commuter rail service to thousands of daily passengers. Commuter rail officials estimate that the combined ridership between Rockport and Gloucester on these eight off-peak trains is approximately 80 - 90 passengers each day.

Starting Monday, August 28, off-peak passengers traveling between Rockport and Gloucester will be bussed to and from these two stations for a five-week period. 

Off-peak passengers traveling to or from stops on the Rockport Line between Boston’s North Station and West Gloucester may experience minimal delays along this route. LED signs at stations and other commuter rail communications will keep passengers up to date should delays occur.

Included below is a list of trains requiring bus service between Rockport and Gloucester starting Monday, August 28. Passengers planning to ride these trains should arrive at stations at regularly scheduled times.

Passengers with questions about this service diversion plan should call the commuter rail’s customer service line at 617-222-3200 or visit www.MBTA.com. KCS is the MBTA’s operating partner for the commuter rail.

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