View source for Framingham/Worcester Line

{{Short description|MBTA commuter railroad line}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name              = Framingham/Worcester Line
| color             = {{rcr|MBTA|Framingham}}
| image             = Westbound Framingham Worcester train past Boston Landing.jpg
| image_width       = 300px
| caption           = An outbound train near Boston Landing in 2024
| type              = [[Regional rail]]/[[commuter rail]]
| system            = [[MBTA Commuter Rail]]
| status            = Operating
| locale            = [[Massachusetts|Central Massachusetts]]
| start             = [[South Station|Boston South Station]]
| end               = [[Union Station (Worcester, Massachusetts)|Worcester Union Station]]
| stations          = 18
| routes            = 
| trainnumber       = 500–593, 1511–1574 (weekdays)<br />5503–5594 (weekends)
| daily_ridership = 10,606 (October 2022)<ref name=oct2022ridership>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-10/GM%20Report%20to%20Board%2010.27.2022.pdf |title=GM Report |page=6 |first=Steve |last=Poftak |date=October 27, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>
| open              = 1834–1835 ([[Boston and Worcester Railroad]])
| owner             = [[MassDOT]] (Back Bay to Riverside)<br />[[MBTA]] (Riverside to Framingham)<br />MassDOT (Framingham to Worcester)<ref name=bluebook />
| operator          = [[MBTA Commuter Rail#Combined operations|Keolis North America]]
| character         = 
| linelength        = {{convert|44.3|mile}}<ref name="MBTA Commuter Rail Executive Summary">{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Business_Center/Bidding_and_Solicitations/CommuterRailExecutiveSummary.pdf |title=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Commuter Rail Executive Summary |publisher=[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]] (MBTA) |access-date=12 March 2015 |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117172252/http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Business_Center/Bidding_and_Solicitations/CommuterRailExecutiveSummary.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=bluebook>{{MBTA Bluebook 2014}}</ref>
| tracks            = 
| gauge             = {{track gauge|ussg}}
| map               = {{switcher
|{{maplink-road|from=Framingham/Worcester Line.map}}
|Show interactive map
|{{Framingham/Worcester Line|inline=1}}
|Show route diagram map
}}
| map_state         = 
}}

The '''Framingham/Worcester Line''' of the [[MBTA Commuter Rail]] system runs west from [[Boston, Massachusetts]], to [[Worcester, Massachusetts]], through the [[MetroWest]] region, serving 18 station stops in Boston, [[Newton, Massachusetts|Newton]], [[Wellesley, Massachusetts|Wellesley]], [[Natick, Massachusetts|Natick]], [[Framingham, Massachusetts|Framingham]], [[Ashland, Massachusetts|Ashland]], [[Southborough, Massachusetts|Southborough]], [[Westborough, Massachusetts|Westborough]], [[Grafton, Massachusetts|Grafton]], and Worcester. It is the fourth-longest and third-busiest line in the MBTA Commuter Rail system. Service on the line is a mix of local and express trains serving Worcester plus [[short-turn]] Framingham locals.

The Framingham/Worcester Line was one of the first commuter rail lines, with daily commuter-oriented service to [[West Newton (MBTA station)|West Newton]] beginning in 1834. Originally the [[Boston and Worcester Railroad]], service has been operated by the [[Boston and Albany Railroad]], [[New York Central]], [[Penn Central]], and since 1964 by [[Boston and Maine Railroad]], [[Amtrak]], and the [[MBCR]] until 2014 under contract to the [[MBTA]]. Since 2014 service has been operated by [[MBTA Commuter Rail#Combined operations|Keolis North America]]. In 1975 the line was cut back to Framingham, but service returned to Worcester in 1994 with four infill stations added between 2000 and 2002.

After purchasing the Framingham–Worcester trackage from CSX in 2012, the MBTA has begun adding service to the outer section of the line and performing track work to increase speeds and reliability. A new station at [[Boston Landing station|Boston Landing]] opened in 2017. All stations from Boston Landing east and West Natick west are [[accessible]]; {{bts|Natick Center}} is being reconstructed for accessibility, while renovations to the six remaining stations are planned.

== History ==
[[File:Auburndale station 1959 HAER 1.jpg|thumb|left|This 1881-built depot at Auburndale, designed by [[H. H. Richardson]], was torn down in 1961 to make room for the Massachusetts Turnpike]]
Originally built in 1834 as the [[Boston and Worcester Railroad]], the line was later part of the [[Boston and Albany Railroad]] and [[New York Central Railroad]] systems.  The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority acquired the tracks from [[Newton, Massachusetts|Newton]] to [[Back Bay station]]<ref name=netransit /> in order to construct the Boston Extension of the [[Massachusetts Turnpike]] from the [[Massachusetts Route 128|Route 128]] circumferential highway to the then-elevated [[Central Artery]] in downtown Boston.  Construction ran from 1962 to 1964, and reduced the railway to two tracks.

The New York Central was merged into [[Penn Central Transportation]] in 1968, which went bankrupt in 1970. [[Amtrak]] was created in 1971 to take over intercity rail service from the private railroads. When Amtrak started operations on May 1, 1971, no intercity service was kept on the line, thus ending direct connections from Boston to Springfield, Pittsfield, and Albany. In mid-May, Amtrak added the Boston-New Haven ''[[Bay State (train)|Bay State]]''.<ref name=150years>{{cite book |title=Boston's Commuter Rail: The First 150 Years |last1=Humphrey |first1=Thomas J.|last2=Clark |first2=Norton D. |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association |year=1985 |isbn=9780685412947 |pages=21–28}}</ref> The train struggled to find consistent ridership, with frequent changes of schedule and destination. In 1973, the westbound trip operated as a quasi-commuter train. The ''Bay State'' was canceled on March 1, 1975.<ref name=150years />

On January 27, 1973, the [[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]] (MBTA) acquired the remainder of the tracks east of [[Framingham, Massachusetts|Framingham]], and began subsidizing service between Framingham and Boston.  Commuter rail service between Worcester and Framingham (with no intermediate stops after 1960) was not subsidized by the MBTA; with just ten riders per day riding from Worcester, service was cut back to Framingham on October 27, 1975.<ref name=netransit /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102378075/the-boston-globe/ |title=Local Rail Service Has Rich History |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=June 16, 2002 |first=Jonathan |last=Saltzman |page=7 |via=Newspapers.com }}</ref> Amtrak began operating a Boston-Albany section of the ''[[Lake Shore Limited]]'' four days later. Boston-New Haven ([[Inland Route]]) service was restored under the ''Bay State'' name in 1984, and ran in various forms until the early 2000s.<ref name=150years />

The trackage on the western segment was inherited by [[Conrail]] in 1976, which returned to profitability in the 1980s; after a corporate breakup in 1999, [[CSX Transportation]] became the owner of the Worcester-to-Framingham segment.  Service along the remaining Boston-Framingham segment was considerably increased in October 1979; this was intended to partially compensate for the closure of the [[Needham Line]] that month to make room for [[Southwest Corridor (Massachusetts)|Southwest Corridor]] construction.<ref name=netransit /> As part of the Southwest Corridor project, the [[Orange Line (MBTA)|Orange Line]] was rerouted into parallel tracks sharing the Framingham Line's right of way between Back Bay station and the portal to the Washington Street Tunnel.

MBTA commuter rail service expanded to [[Worcester, Massachusetts|Worcester]] on September 26, 1994, with limited rush-hour-only service.  Off-peak service was added beginning on December 14, 1996. [[Union Station (Worcester, Massachusetts)|Worcester Union Station]] underwent a major renovation in 2000, and in 2006 the city's main bus terminal was co-located at the train station. Infill stations at {{stl|MBTA|Ashland}}, {{stl|MBTA|Southborough}}, {{stl|MBTA|Westborough}}, and {{stl|MBTA|Grafton}} were added in 2000 and 2002.<ref name="netransit">{{NETransit}}</ref> The total cost of the Worcester Commuter Rail Extension Project was $97 million.<ref>{{cite press release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021011190758/http://www.mbta.com/insidethet/press_releases_details.asp?ID=801 |archive-date=October 11, 2002 |url=http://www.mbta.com/insidethet/press_releases_details.asp?ID=801 |title=MBTA Opens New Ashland Station |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=August 27, 2002}}</ref>

=== Ownership and performance problems ===
[[File:Beacon Park Yard with press conference train, September 2014.JPG|thumb|right|Empty Beacon Park Yard in 2014]]
For a variety of reasons, the line had some of the worst on-time performance in the MBTA system for several years. While state agencies including the MBTA owned the line out to Framingham, [[CSX Transportation]] owned from Framingham to Worcester and ran frequent freight trains as far east as [[Beacon Park Yard]] in [[Allston, Massachusetts|Allston]]. CSX then dispatched (controlled signals) on the line from their operations base in [[Selkirk, New York]], resulting in low priority for passenger trains.<ref name=sidetracked>{{cite news |url=http://worcestermag.com/2007/09/06/sidetracked/4032 |title=Sidetracked |newspaper=Worcester Magazine |date=6 September 2007 |access-date=9 January 2014 |archive-date=January 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109224853/http://worcestermag.com/2007/09/06/sidetracked/4032 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  Conflicts with freight trains, ongoing track work, and an increase of passenger load of about 40% since opening were all blamed for the poor on-time performance, as were new federal speed regulations that went into effect in 2005.<ref name=feb2008 />

In 2007, pessimistic that CSX would ever sell the line, the state Executive Office of Transportation began studying alternatives to improve service.  Possibilities included adding interlockings or additional tracks to the line, or even running service from Worcester to [[North Station]] via {{stl|MBTA|Ayer}} over the [[Pan Am Railways]] Worcester Branch (former [[Worcester, Nashua and Rochester Railroad]]) and the [[Fitchburg Line]].<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108204409/http://www.telegram.com/article/20080306/NEWS/803060790/1116 |archive-date=8 January 2014 |url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20080306/NEWS/803060790/1116 |title=Will city trains go north to go east? |newspaper=[[Telegram & Gazette]] | location=Worcester, Mass |date=6 March 2008 |author=Monahan, John J. |access-date=8 January 2014}}</ref>

In October 2007, only 48.4% of trains ran on time (no more than 1 minute early or 5 minutes late), improving to 69.3% in January 2008 after CSX and MBCR officials began meeting daily.<ref name=feb2008>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20080205/NEWS/802050620/1116 |newspaper=[[Telegram & Gazette]] | location=Worcester, Mass |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520151559/http://www.telegram.com/article/20080205/NEWS/802050620/1116 |archive-date=20 May 2011 |title=On-time T trains pick up steam: Commuter service to Hub cuts delays |author=Dayal, Priyanka |date=5 February 2008 |access-date=8 January 2014}}</ref> On February 18, 2008, a new schedule went into effect, intended to more accurately reflect the run time on the line.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/02/13/t_tweaks_a_train_schedule_to_reflect_reality/ | work=[[The Boston Globe]] | first=Noah | last=Bierman | title=T tweaks a train schedule to reflect reality | date=February 13, 2008}}</ref> By August 2009, actual on-time performance was at 82%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Score_Card/ScoreCard-2009-09.pdf |title=MBTA Scorecard: September 2009 |date=September 2009 |publisher=[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]] (MBTA) |access-date=9 January 2014 |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019105943/http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Score_Card/ScoreCard-2009-09.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In January 2008, the Framingham/Worcester Line became the first in the MBTA system to offer [[Wi-Fi]] service aboard the trains. The service was expanded system-wide after a test period, but the Worcester Line was chosen for the pilot phase in part to compensate for low on-time performance, as well as to test the service across the line's varied terrain.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327210717/http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/wifi/ |archive-date=27 March 2008 |url=http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/wifi/ |quote=First, it provides one of the best opportunities from a geographical perspective to test Wi-Fi capabilities as it runs from Boston to central Massachusetts (Worcester) through various terrains (hills, wooded areas, etc.) Secondly, we are aware that the Framingham/Worcester trains have experienced significant performance issues due mainly to the owner and operator of the line (CSX). For that, we want to offer Framingham/Worcester customers the first opportunity. |title=Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail customers: Try our free MBTA Wi-Fi Commuter Rail Connect Test Program! |publisher=[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]] (MBTA) |date=January 2008 |access-date=9 January 2014}}</ref>

On October 2, 2008, the state government announced an agreement with [[CSX Transportation]] for the purchase and upgrade of several of CSX's freight lines in the state. CSX agreed to sell the Framingham-to-Worcester section of the [[Worcester Line]], its lines from Taunton to Fall River and New Bedford for use by the [[South Coast Rail]] project, the [[Grand Junction Branch]], and the [[Track 61 (Boston)|South Boston Running Track]]. Other parts of the agreement included plans for [[Double-stack rail transport|double-stack]] freights west of Worcester and the abandonment of Beacon Park Yard.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2008-10-02/patrick-administration-announces-agreement-purchase-rail-lines |title=PATRICK ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE RAIL LINES |date=October 2, 2008 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Weekday Worcester service was increased to twelve round trips on October 27, 2008, under the agreement.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2008-10-27/expanded-service-tofrom-worcester-begins |title=Expanded Service To/From Worcester Begins |date=October 27, 2008 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> The agreement was signed on September 23, 2009, with the Worcester Line transfer then expected in 2011.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2009-09-23/patrick-murray-administration-finalizes-agreement-csx-transportation |title=PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION FINALIZES AGREEMENT WITH CSX TRANSPORTATION |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=September 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/wellesley/2009/09/csx_finalizes_agreement_to_exp.html | work=[[The Boston Globe]] | title=CSX finalizes agreement to expand rail service west, south of Boston | date=September 23, 2009}}</ref>

===Service expansions===
[[File:Boston Landing station from Everett Street, August 2018.jpg|thumb|left|Boston Landing station in 2018]]
In June 2012, [[New Balance]] announced plans to build a new station stop at their new development in [[Allston-Brighton]]. {{stl|MBTA|Boston Landing}} was originally to open in 2014, but was delayed until May 22, 2017.<ref name=2014date>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/allston_brighton/2012/11/new_balance_commuter_rail_stat.html |title=New Balance aims to open commuter rail station in 2014 |author=Rocheleau, Matt |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=9 November 2012 |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=2016date>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601222733/http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/05/30/new-balance-commuter-rail-station-debut-two-years-later-than-previously-expected/aks5w9nZlbT08zXSe3UESO/story.html |archive-date=1 June 2014 |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/05/30/new-balance-commuter-rail-station-debut-two-years-later-than-previously-expected/aks5w9nZlbT08zXSe3UESO/story.html |title=Brighton rail station opening pushed back to 2016 |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=30 May 2014 |author=Powers, Martine |access-date=30 May 2014}}</ref>

In July 2012, the MBTA announced plans to add additional service on the line as CSX moved freight transload operations from Beacon Park Yard in Allston to a new yard in East Worcester that did not interfere with passenger operations.<ref name=july2012>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/framingham/2012/07/t_plans_to_boost_commuter_rail.html |title=T plans to boost commuter rail trips between Boston, Worcester this fall |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |author=Rocheleau, Matt |date=31 July 2012 |access-date=2 August 2012}}</ref> Three additional weekday Boston-Worcester round trips were added on October 29, 2012, after the October 4 signing of the deed that transferred ownership of the Framingham-Worcester section to the MBTA.<ref name=29oct>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20121004/NEWS/110049827/1116 |title=At CSX freight yard, Murray touts increased train service |newspaper=[[Telegram & Gazette]] | location=Worcester, Mass |author=Monahan, John J. |date=4 October 2012 |access-date=6 October 2012}}</ref> A rush-hour express serving Worcester was added on April 29, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20130429/APN/304299172/0 |title=MBTA launches Worcester-Boston express service |date=29 April 2013 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Worcester Telegram |access-date=26 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126185935/http://www.telegram.com/article/20130429/APN/304299172/0 |archive-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> The ultimate goal was originally for 20 Worcester round trips by October 2013, up from 12.5 round trips before the service increases; however this was pushed back by delays in the rebuilding of [[Lansdowne station (MBTA)|Yawkey station]] and the delivery of the new [[MPI HSP46]] locomotives and bilevel passenger cars.<ref name=oct2012>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=25689 |title=Lt Gov Murray Announces New Schedule For Increased Commuter Rail Service |publisher=[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]] (MBTA) |date=4 October 2012 |access-date=6 October 2012}}</ref>

By early 2013, Beacon Park was largely vacated except for the locomotive maintenance facility, leaving only occasional freight service east of Framingham. MBCR took over dispatching of the line from CSX in August 2013, meaning that passenger trains are now given full priority over freight trains.<ref name=dispatching>{{cite web |url=http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/mbta/state-takes-absolute-control-over-worcester-to-boston-line/ |title=State Takes "Absolute Control" over Worcester to Boston Line |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation |author=Jessen, Klark |date=7 August 2013 |access-date=7 August 2013 |archive-date=August 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820190012/http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/mbta/state-takes-absolute-control-over-worcester-to-boston-line/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The dispatching changeover brings other benefits for passenger service: MBCR has greater flexibility to deal with minor emergencies affecting operations, to communicate directly with train crews, and to dispatch extra trains to cover for a late or stalled train. Blanket heat-related speed restrictions were intended to be eliminated, limiting delays even on hotter summer days.<ref name=dispatching />

A series of public comment hearings in 2013 were held to determine schedules. Implementation of the new schedules was delayed because the completion of Yawkey station's rehabilitation and expansion was delayed.<ref name=nov2013 />  The expansion included installation of a second track, crucial to the service expansion. The increase to 20 weekday and 9 weekend round trips to Worcester took place on March 10, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=GOV. PATRICK CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF YAWKEY STATION|url=http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442451887&month=&year=|date=March 10, 2014|publisher=[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]] (MBTA)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Expanded Yawkey Station to open in March, T says|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/02/27/mbta-open-rebuilt-yawkey-station-march-boosting-service-framingham-worcester-rail-line/pdnHBdqNbItoS4Hgwj1NLP/story.html|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=February 27, 2014}}</ref><ref name=feb2014 >{{cite news |url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20140122/NEWS/301229757/1116 |title=MBTA promises more Worcester-Boston trains by end of February |newspaper=Worcester Telegram |date=22 January 2014 |author=Monahan, John J. |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref>
The MBTA has long been planning to speed travel times on the line by adding a second main track through [[Beacon Park Yard]] – the only single-track section of the line.<ref name=study>{{cite web |url=http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/theurbanring/downloads/AllstonMultimodal_061509.pdf |title=Allston Multimodal Station Study |publisher=Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation |date=15 June 2009 |access-date=2 December 2012 |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709000411/http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/theurbanring/downloads/AllstonMultimodal_061509.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The former second track through the yard was turned into a yard lead with no through service in the 1950s.

In November 2013, MassDOT announced plans to spend $15 million through 2014 and 2015 to improve travel times on the line.<ref name=nov2013>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20131114/NEWS/311149856/0/news03 |title=State plans to expand commuter trains for Worcester |newspaper=Worcester Telegram |author=Monahan, John J. |date=14 November 2013 |access-date=17 November 2013}}</ref> Some of the work involves heating and cutting quarter-mile rail segments to eliminate heat kinks. The promised reduction in heat-related speed restrictions has not yet occurred due to the poor condition of the tracks; the work to reduce them started in 2014 with $1.2 million in work between Worcester and Grafton, but will not be complete until 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/07/09/commuter-rail-heat-restrictions-solved/2f4d6K9WcKROM91P2NYq8O/story.html |title=MassDOT moves to end delays on Worcester rail line |author=Powers, Martine |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=9 July 2014 |access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref>

In early 2014, [[MassDOT]] proposed [[Diesel Multiple Unit|DMU]] local service for the inner part of the line as part of the "[[Indigo Line]]".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2014/01/09/massdot-capital-plan-proposal/ |title=Take A Ride On The MBTA's 'New Indigo Line' In 2024 |newspaper=Boston Magazine |date=9 January 2014 |author=Annear, Steve |access-date=2 October 2014 |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023004817/http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2014/01/09/massdot-capital-plan-proposal/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In September 2014, [[MassDOT]] announced plans to build the multimodal {{stl|MBTA|West Station}} in Beacon Park Yard as a transfer point between local DMU service and mainline locomotive-hauled commuter rail service. The $25 million station would have been constructed simultaneously with a $260 million reconfiguration of the Mass Pike through Beacon Park Yard and was planned to open in 2020.<ref name=Dungca>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/09/30/weststation/ZB4d0trnj1VGo66u7kkkZP/story.html |title=New transit station to connect Allston to downtown |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=30 September 2014 |last=Dungca |first=Nicole |access-date=1 October 2014}}</ref> Plans for DMU service were cancelled in 2015, and West Station was delayed to 2040.<ref>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622204549/http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2015/06/charlie_baker_derails_t_trains|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2015/06/charlie_baker_derails_t_trains |title=Charlie Baker derails T trains |archive-date=22 June 2015 |newspaper=Boston Herald |last=Stout |first=Matt |date=20 June 2015}}</ref> On May 23, 2016, the MBTA began running a single daily round trip – inbound in the morning rush, outbound in the late evening – with no intermediate stops between Yawkey (later renamed to Lansdowne) and Worcester. Branded "HeartToHub", the trips were scheduled for travel times of under one hour between Back Bay and Worcester, slightly faster than the driving time between those two locations.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442456112&month=&year= |title=Introducing the HeartToHub |publisher=[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]] (MBTA) |date=April 25, 2016}}</ref> 

===COVID-19 cuts and construction projects===
[[File:Worcester Union Station seen from Union Station Parking Garage No Pixel Shift.jpg|thumb|left|The new platform at Worcester Union Station in use in 2024]]
Weekday service was substantially cut on March 17, 2020, due to reduced ridership during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-03-16/mbta-announces-schedule-revisions-take-effect-tuesday-march-17 |title=MBTA Announces Schedule Revisions to Take Effect Tuesday, March 17 |date=March 16, 2020 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> On June 22, service was increased, but all trains continued to run local.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-06/2020-06-15-fmcb-F-report-from-deputy-general-manager.pdf |title=Report from the Deputy General Manager |date=June 15, 2020 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Schedule changes effective November 2, 2020 re-added express service, including the Heart to Hub service (with an added Framingham stop).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-09/2020-09-14-fmcb-K-fall-commuter-rail-schedules-accessible.pdf |title=Fall 2020 Commuter Rail Schedule Changes |date=September 14, 2020 |first=Rob |last=DiAdamo |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Reduced service operated from December 14, 2020, to April 5, 2021, again as part of systemwide reductions.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-12-10/commuter-rail-temporarily-operate-reduced-service-schedule-starting-december-14 |title=Commuter Rail to Temporarily Operate Reduced Service Schedule Starting December 14 |date=December 10, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref name=netransit /> 

Service changes on April 5, 2021, began the transition to a [[regional rail]] model, with hourly Boston–Worcester service.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.keoliscs.com/news/reminder-spring-2021-commuter-rail-schedules-take-effect-april-5/ |title=Reminder: Spring 2021 Commuter Rail Schedules Take Effect April 5 |publisher=Keolis Commuter Services |date=April 1, 2021 |access-date=June 4, 2021 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603210850/https://www.keoliscs.com/news/reminder-spring-2021-commuter-rail-schedules-take-effect-april-5/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2021-04-02/framinghamworcester-commuter-rail-lines-new-regional-rail-style-service-effect |title=Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line's New Regional Rail-style Service in Effect April 5 |date=April 2, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Worcester service began to operate express between Boston Landing and West Natick at peak hours, with hourly Boston–Framingham local trains at those times to provide service to the inner part of the line. Because the single-platform Newton stations could only be served by trains in one direction at peak service levels, a "Newton Connection Railbus" bus shuttle operated between {{bts|Newton Highlands}} and {{bts|Wellesley Farms}} to provide reverse-peak service to the stations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2021-spring/2021-04-05-spring-framingham-worcester-accessible_0.pdf |title=Framingham/Worcester Line 2021 Spring Schedule |date=April 5, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> The bus shuttle ended service on August 27, 2021, as route {{MBTABus|505}} bus service resumed two days later.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Worcester/alerts |title=Framingham/Worcester Line: Alerts |date=August 24, 2021 |archivedate=August 24, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824225721/https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Worcester/alerts |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> By October 2022, the line had 10,606 daily riders – 57% of pre-COVID ridership.<ref name=oct2022ridership /> The "Heart to Hub" trains were converted to regular express trains effective October 2, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_6697/2023-10-02-cr-fall-winter-framingham-worcester-line.pdf |title=Framingham/Worcester Line Fall/Winter Schedule |date=October 2, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2023/09/26/express-train-from-worcester-to-boston-not-so-fast/70971536007/ |title=Express train from Worcester to Boston? Not so fast |newspaper=Telegram & Gazette |date=September 26, 2023 |first=Veer |last=Mudambi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002133220/https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2023/09/26/express-train-from-worcester-to-boston-not-so-fast/70971536007/ |archive-date=October 2, 2023}}</ref> A morning "Heart to Hub" round trip was re-added on May 20, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/11.%20Draft%202_Spring%202024%20Schedule%20Changes_Board%20Meeting%20Slides_April%202024%20v1.pdf |title=Spring 2024 Transportation Schedule Changes |date=April 25, 2024 |first=Ryan |last=Coholan |page=7 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_7022/2024-05-20-cr-spring-summer-framingham-worcester-line-schedule-accessible.pdf |date=May 20, 2024 |title=Framingham/Worcester Line Spring/Summer Schedule |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520233519/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_7022/2024-05-20-cr-spring-summer-framingham-worcester-line-schedule-accessible.pdf |archive-date=May 20, 2024}}</ref>

An accessibility reconstruction of Natick Center station began in March 2020, followed by the addition of a new [[island platform]] at Worcester Union Station beginning in late 2021.<ref name=swadec2021>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-12/2021-12-03-swa-initiatives.pdf |title=System-Wide Accessibility Initiatives—December 2021 |date=December 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Department of System-Wide Accessibility |page=7}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20200408/long-awaited-40-million-reconstruction-of-natick-center-commuter-rail-station-is-underway |title=Long-awaited $40 million reconstruction of the Natick Center commuter rail station is underway |date=April 8, 2020 |first=Jeff |last=Malachowski |newspaper=Metrowest Daily News}}</ref> Midday service was temporarily reduced from May 2 to October 17, 2022; July 10 to September 11, 2023; and November 18, 2024, to January 6, 2025, to accommodate the construction projects.<ref>{{multiref2|{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2022-spring/2022-05-02-cr-framingham-worcester-line-diversion-schedule.pdf |title=Framingham/Worcester Line: Spring 2022 Construction Schedule |date=May 2, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}|{{cite news |url=https://www.wbjournal.com/article/hourly-service-returning-to-worcesters-commuter-rail |title=Hourly service returning to Worcester's Commuter Rail |date=October 6, 2022 |newspaper=Worcester Business Journal |first=Coley |last=Lynch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006193335/https://www.wbjournal.com/article/hourly-service-returning-to-worcesters-commuter-rail |archive-date=October 6, 2022}}}}</ref><ref>{{multiref2|{{cite press release |url=https://www.keoliscs.com/news/1109/ |title=Temporary Adjustments to MBTA Commuter Rail Worcester Line Schedule Begin July 10th |date=June 2023 |publisher=Keolis Commuter Services}}|{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Worcester/alerts |title=Alerts: Framingham/Worcester Line |date=September 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913182601/https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Worcester/alerts |archive-date=September 13, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}}}</ref><ref>{{multiref2|{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Worcester/alerts |date=December 30, 2024 |title=Alerts: Framingham/Worcester Line |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230214255/https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Worcester/alerts |archive-date=December 30, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}|{{cite press release |url=https://news.keolisna.com/commuter-rail-announces-fall/winter-schedule-to-take-effect-november-18 |title=Commuter Rail Announces Fall/Winter Schedule to Take Effect November 18 |date=November 8, 2024 |publisher=Keolis North America |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230214427/https://news.keolisna.com/commuter-rail-announces-fall/winter-schedule-to-take-effect-november-18 |archive-date=December 30, 2024}}|{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_7237/2024-11-18-cr-fall-winter-framingham-worcester-line-schedule.pdf |title=Framingham/Worcester Line: Fall/Winter Schedule |date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}|{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/2025-01-06-cr-framingham-worcester-line-fall-winter-schedule.pdf |title=Framingham/Worcester Line: Fall/Winter Schedule |date=January 6, 2025 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}}}</ref> The new platform at Worcester opened on July 1, 2024.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-07-09/mbta-celebrates-opening-worcester-union-station-center-platform |title=MBTA Celebrates Opening of Worcester Union Station Center Platform |date=July 9, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> {{As of|August 2024}}, the MBTA intends to run Framingham–Boston locals and Worcester–Boston zone expresses, with both services on 30-minute headways, by 2026.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/rail-and-transit-working-group-meeting-presentation-august-21-2024/download |title=Allston Multimodal Project: Rail & Transit Working Group Meeting 1 |date=August 21, 2024 |page=9 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref>

In June 2021, the MBTA issued a $28 million design contract for a project to add a third track from Weston to Framingham, including reconstruction of the three Wellesley stations and West Natick station. The project was expected to cost around $400 million, with completion in 2030.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-06/2021-06-21-fmcb-17-worcester-triple-track-contract-accessible.pdf |title=MBTA Contract No. C72PS01: Worcester Line Track and Stations Accessibility Improvements (P0261) Design and Engineering Services |date=June 21, 2021 |first=Maribel |last=Kelly |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Renovations to the three Newton stations (including the addition of second platforms) are also planned.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/worcester-commuter-rail-line-targeted-for-upgrades/ |title=Worcester commuter rail line targeted for upgrades |newspaper=Commonwealth Magazine |first=Bruce |last=Mohl |date=June 28, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/2020-03-10-worcester-union-station-stakeholder-meeting-presentation-accessible.pdf |title=Worcester Union Station Accessibility and Infrastructure Improvements: Stakeholder Meeting |date=March 10, 2020 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |first=Maribel |last=Kelly}}</ref> Design work for the Newton stations was paused at 75% completion in September 2023 because project costs had risen to $255 million.<ref name=swanov2023>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/2023-11-27-accessibility-initiatives.pdf |title=System-Wide Accessibility Initiatives—November 2023 |date=November 27, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Department of System-Wide Accessibility |pages=6–7}}</ref> In April 2024, the MBTA indicated that it would proceed with Newtonville before the two other stations, with platform lengths shorter than the MBTA standard to reduce construction costs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/2024-04-10-newto-stations-public-meeting-presentation.pdf |title=Newton Stations Accessibility Improvements |date=April 10, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> In November 2024, the state committed to the reconstruction of Newtonville station.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-mbta-congressman-auchincloss-mayor-fuller-celebrate-commitment-to-rebuild-newtonville-station |title=Healey-Driscoll Administration, MBTA, Congressman Auchincloss, Mayor Fuller Celebrate Commitment to Rebuild Newtonville Station |publisher=Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll |date=November 25, 2024}}</ref>

=== Electrification ===
The Framingham/Worcester line is planned to be [[Railway electrification|electrified]] as part of the MBTA's regional rail transformation initiatives. Funding for electrification of the line was included in a 2022 state bond bill.<ref>"[https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/millions-worcester-transportation-upgrades-state-bond-bill Millions For Worcester Transportation Upgrades In State Bond Bill]". ''Worcester, MA Patch''. August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2022.</ref> In June 2022, the MBTA indicated plans to purchase [[Battery electric multiple unit|battery electric multiple units]], with [[Overhead line|catenary]] for charging on part of the network. By the mid-2020s, the MBTA had adapted short-term plans for regional rail to instead optimize diesel-hauled operations for increased services on select corridors. In December 2024, the MBTA indicated plans to implement 30-minute all-day headways on the Framingham/Worcester Line by fiscal year 2026. Train consists would be shortened to 4 coaches long to enable higher frequencies; 4-car BEMU train sets would be implemented on the line by the late 2030s.<ref>[https://mass.streetsblog.org/2024/12/09/worcester-line-trains-will-get-shorter-but-also-more-frequent "Worcester Line Trains Will Get Shorter – But Also More Frequent - Streetsblog Massachusetts"]. ''mass.streetsblog.org''. December 9, 2024. Retrieved December 9, 2024.</ref> {{clear left}}

== Station listing ==
{{for|stations served before the creation of the MBTA in 1964|Boston and Albany Railroad#Main line station listing}}
[[File:Grafton MBTA station, Outbound, North Grafton MA.jpg|thumb|right|Grafton station, with large ramps and mini-high platforms for accessibility, is typical of the west-of-Framingham stations built around 2000]]
[[File:Outbound MBTA Commuter Rail Train at West Newton Station.jpg|thumb|right|West Newton station, with a single non-accessible platform. As with the other Newton stops, non-peak-direction trains skip West Newton due to the single platform.]]
[[File:Riverside mainline platform facing inbound, May 2012.jpg|thumb|right|Riverside station (former platform pictured) is the only station on the line closed during the MBTA era]]
{|class="wikitable"
!Fare zone
!Location
![[Railway milepost|Miles (km)]]<ref name=bluebook />
!Station
!Connections and notes
|-
| rowspan="5" |1A
| rowspan="5" |[[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]]
|{{convert|0.0|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|South Station}}
|{{rint|us|Amtrak}} [[Amtrak]]: {{lnl|Amtrak|Acela Express}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Lake Shore Limited}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Northeast Regional}}<br>{{ric|MBTA|Commuter Rail|name=y}}: [[Fairmount Line|Fairmount]], [[Fall River/New Bedford Line|Fall River/New Bedford]], [[Franklin/Foxboro Line|Franklin/Foxboro]], [[Greenbush Line|Greenbush]], [[Kingston Line|Kingston]], [[Needham Line|Needham]], [[Providence/Stoughton Line|Providence/Stoughton]]; [[CapeFLYER]] (seasonal)<br>{{ric|MBTA|Subway|name=y}}: {{ric|MBTA|Red|name=y}}, {{ric|MBTA|Silver|name=y}} ({{MBTABus|SL1|SL2|SL3|SL4}})<br>{{ric|MBTA|Bus|name=y}}: {{MBTA bus links|South Station}}<br>{{bus icon}} Intercity buses at [[South Station Bus Terminal]]
|-
|{{convert|1.2|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Back Bay}}
|{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: ''Acela'', ''Lake Shore Limited'', ''Northeast Regional''<br>{{ric|MBTA|Commuter Rail|name=y}}: Franklin/Foxboro, Needham, and Providence/Stoughton lines<br>{{ric|MBTA|Subway|name=y}}: {{ric|MBTA|Orange|name=y}}<br>{{ric|MBTA|Bus|name=y}}: {{MBTA bus links|Back Bay}}
|-
|{{convert|2.5|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Lansdowne}}
|{{ric|MBTA|Bus|name=y}}: {{MBTA bus links|Lansdowne}}
|- bgcolor=dfdfdf
|{{convert|3.8|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{bts|West Station}}
|Proposed station
|-
|{{convert|4.7|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Boston Landing}}
|{{ric|MBTA|Bus|name=y}}: {{MBTA bus links|Boston Landing}}
|-
|1
|rowspan="4" |[[Newton, Massachusetts|Newton]]
|{{convert|8.1|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{bts|Newtonville}}
|{{ric|MBTA|Bus|name=y}}: {{MBTA bus links|Newtonville}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |2
|{{convert|9.1|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{bts|West Newton}}
|{{ric|MBTA|Bus|name=y}}: {{MBTA bus links|West Newton}}
|-
|{{convert|10.2|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{bts|Auburndale}}
|
|- bgcolor=dfdfdf
|
|{{convert|10.9|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{bts|Riverside}}
|Closed October 27, 1977
|-
| rowspan="3" |3
| rowspan="3" |[[Wellesley, Massachusetts|Wellesley]]
|{{convert|12.5|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{bts|Wellesley Farms}}
|
|-
|{{convert|13.5|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{bts|Wellesley Hills}}
|
|-
|{{convert|14.7|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Wellesley Square}}
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |4
| rowspan="2" |[[Natick, Massachusetts|Natick]]
|{{convert|17.7|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{bts|Natick Center}}
|{{bus icon}} [[MetroWest Regional Transit Authority|MWRTA]]: {{MBTA other buses|Natick Center MWRTA}}
|-
|{{convert|19.9|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|West Natick}}
|{{bus icon}} MWRTA: {{MBTA other buses|West Natick MWRTA}}
|-
|5
|[[Framingham, Massachusetts|Framingham]]
|{{convert|21.4|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Framingham}}
|{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: ''Lake Shore Limited''<br>{{bus icon}} MWRTA: {{MBTA other buses|Framingham MWRTA}}<br>{{bus icon}}  {{MBTA other buses|Framingham intercity}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |6
|[[Ashland, Massachusetts|Ashland]]
|{{convert|25.2|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Ashland}}
|{{bus icon}} MWRTA: {{MBTA other buses|Ashland MWRTA}}
|-
|[[Southborough, Massachusetts|Southborough]]
|{{convert|27.4|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Southborough}}
|{{bus icon}} {{MBTA other buses|Southborough}}
|-
|7
|[[Westborough, Massachusetts|Westborough]]
|{{convert|34.0|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Westborough}}
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |8
|[[Grafton, Massachusetts|Grafton]]
|{{convert|36.4|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Grafton}}
|{{bus icon}} [[Worcester Regional Transit Authority|WRTA]]: {{MBTA other buses|Grafton WRTA}}
|-
|[[Worcester, Massachusetts|Worcester]]
|{{convert|44.2|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Worcester}}
|{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: ''Lake Shore Limited''<br>{{bus icon}} WRTA: {{MBTA other buses|Worcester WRTA}}<br>{{bus icon}} [[Pioneer Valley Transit Authority|PVTA]]: {{MBTA other buses|Worcester PVTA}}<br>{{bus icon}} {{MBTA other buses|Worcester intercity}}
|-
| colspan="5" align="center" |''{{color box|#dfdfdf}} Closed station''
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|MBTA Framingham/Worcester Line}}
{{Attached KML}}
* [http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=WORCSTER MBTA – Framingham/Worcester Line]

{{MBTA}}
{{Massachusetts-Rhode Island transit agencies}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Framingham Worcester Line}}

[[Category:MBTA Commuter Rail]]