MBTA, Keolis to temporarily reduce Commuter Rail service

BOSTON — Commuter Rail service will run on a reduced schedule for at least two weeks to accommodate low employee availability due to COVID-19 absences, according to Keolis.

Regular train service includes 541 daily trains, but beginning on Monday, December 14, only 246 daily trains will be operated.

“It changes my routine, how do I get to work [now]?” said Priscilla Camejo, a commuter.

Camejo, who rides the commuter rail from Framingham to Boston most days says she will now have to pay for even more expenses during what has already been a tough time financially.

“I’ll have to spend more money on Uber,” said Camejo.

“It’s definitely going to make things more difficult,” said Andrew Ghobrial, a commuter.

The MBTA and Keolis have had an increase in COVID-19 cases over the past 10 days. The reduced train service will go through at least December 27.

During this time, the MBTA and Keolis will monitor employee availability to determine if the reduced Commuter Rail operations are necessary for an extended period of time.

“As it is, the trains don’t come frequently enough. Sometimes an hour or, every hour or two, it will make things more difficult not a great time to do so,” said Ghobrial.

The reduced schedule will include daily service on all lines at all stations, and it is already posted as the Storm Schedule, which was designed in advance to provide lower service levels in severe weather.

The reduced service schedules impact only weekday service and are available here. This reduced service schedule will not affect weekend scheduled trips.

“Passengers are encouraged to check the Reduced Service Schedule in advance to plan their trip because there are changes in the weekday schedule,” said David Scorey, CEO and General Manager, Keolis. “Our rigorous cleaning practices at stations and onboard trains remain in place, including regular deep cleanings, sanitizing touchpoints, and the use of foggers to help ensure safety. Masks continue to be a requirement for all passengers and crews on trains as well.”

One commuter who lives in Providence and commutes into Boston for work says the experience is already a hassle on a daily basis.

“I already have to take two trains to Hyde park in the morning,” said Chris Lawless. “The providence one doesn’t line up with Hyde park in the morning. So unfortunately, what are you going to do with COVID-19.”

“The transit is doing all this construction right now, and they’re cutting the services we need,” said Camejo.

Keolis and the MBTA have introduced electrostatic sprayers to help sanitize passenger areas quickly and thoroughly. Added attention is given to touched surfaces, employee areas, and air filtration systems. Passengers are reminded to social distance on every train.

Commuter Rail has operated throughout the pandemic and is helping to provide critical transit for essential workers, including nurses and medical professionals, and for transit-dependent communities. Ridership on the Commuter Rail has been approximately 13% of its pre-COVID levels, and during the holiday weeks in December ridership is historically low.

Commuters say they shouldn’t have to pay full price for their passes if train service will be reduced and they should be compensated in one way or another. Keolis says they will continue to monitor their employees to gauge if any more cuts need to be made.

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