Commuter Rail | Schedules & Maps (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a train and a commuter rail? ›

They also run more frequently, to a headway rather than a published timetable and use dedicated tracks (underground or elevated), whereas commuter rail often shares tracks, technology and the legal framework within mainline railway systems, and uses rolling stocks with more seating and higher speed for comfort on ...

Enjoy unlimited travel on the Commuter Rail for just $10.00 every weekend. Passes are valid on all lines and zones, Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays. You can still buy zoned Commuter Rail tickets or monthly passes at regular cost for non-unlimited travel on weekends.

They stretch from Newburyport in the north to North Kingstown, Rhode Island, in the south, and reach as far west as Worcester and Fitchburg. The system is split into two parts, with lines north of Boston having a terminus at North Station and lines south of Boston having a terminus at South Station.

Hours of operation vary, but most bus and train service starts around 5 AM and ends around 1 AM. There is no late-night or overnight train service in Boston, though some bus service starts as early (or as late!) as 3:30 AM. Schedules vary by mode of transit and day of the week.

Amtrak is the operator of choice for state-supported corridor services in 17 states and for four commuter rail agencies.

Trains are one of the safest modes of transportation available. While a few high-profile accidents have happened in the last few years, trains operate constantly and are rarely involved in accidents.

Also known as the Dinky, or the Princeton Junction and Back (PJ&B), the branch is served by special shuttle trains. Now running 2.7 mi (4.3 km) along a single track, it is the shortest scheduled commuter rail line in the United States. The run takes approximately 5 minutes in each direction.

South Station has become the busiest of all the stations in the MBTA network.

Some Commuter Rail stations are designated as “flag stops,” which means that the train will not automatically stop at them. You will need to tell the conductor you wish to exit there. If there are any flag stops along your route, the conductor will make an announcement prior to the train's arrival at that station.

The Green Line is a semi-metro system (form of light rail) run by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in the Boston, Massachusetts, metropolitan area. It is the oldest MBTA subway line, and with tunnel sections dating from 1897, the oldest subway in North America.

Who owns the MBTA Commuter Rail? ›

Operations. The MBTA Commuter Rail system is operated by Keolis Commuter Services – a subsidiary of French company Keolis – under contract to the MBTA. The MBTA owns all passenger equipment and most stations. Most trackage is also owned by the MBTA.

There are restrooms on Commuter Rail trains, and they are accessible to people with disabilities. They are located at the ends of some cars. Please note that on some trips, the car with a restroom may be closed, but you can ask the conductor for access.

A train is a connected series of rail vehicles that move along the track. Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate locomotive or from individual motors in self-propelled multiple units.

Commuter Trains have a blue livery and stop at all stations, while Express Trains have a purple livery and focus on serving passengers using Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), stopping at just two stations between Taipei Main Station and the airport.

Rail transportation is considered the safest form of transit, and also can help the environment by reducing carbon footprint of the commuters. This helps many riders change from driving to work, to using commuter rail, with ease.

Local service: A train which always operates and stops at every station on the line. Express service: A train that does not always operate or sometimes skips a station.