October in Salem is synonymous with witches, ghosts, and the ghoulish delight of Haunted Happenings. This year, the MBTA, together with Keolis Commuter Services, is making the seasonal pilgrimage to this historic haunt easier with increased weekend train service. According to a news release from the MBTA, extra trains will be running on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line during peak times every Saturday and Sunday throughout October. This bump in frequency is intended to accommodate those flocking to the array of events that make up Salem's month-long Halloween celebration.
MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng, in a statement obtained by the MBTA, emphasized convenience and sustainability: "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." Eng's invitation not only suggests a hassle-free journey but also hints at a collective step to not burden Salem's narrow avenues with vehicle overflow. The promise of the $10 unlimited Weekend Commuter Rail Pass could effortlessly charter festivity seekers to and from Salem's cobblestone cradle of colonial witch trials.
Keolis CEO and General Manager John Killeen shared the sentiment, remarking, according to the MBTA news release, "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." This partnership stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit pacing the railways this Halloween season.
For a city where the extraordinary is a norm, Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo invites everyone to join in but reminds visitors of the practical concerns of a living, breathing municipality. "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," Pangallo told the MBTA. Moreover, Salem's Police Chief Lucas Miller echoes the need for communal respect amidst seasonal revelries. In his words, "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." Such reminders weave a tapestry of accountability as the town braces to transform into Halloween Central.
Notably, the previous year's October saw a 25% surge in commuter rail ridership, with over 170,000 passengers traveling during weekends. With an eye towards safety and efficiency, the MBTA announces that on Halloween day, trains will operate on a weekday schedule, granting Salem-goers a train every 30 minutes for the majority of the day. A similar schedule will be up on Monday, October 13, with the $10 weekend passes available for use. Visitors should note that full-sized bicycles and scooters remain prohibited on weekend trains, a small concession for the promise of ghostly encounters and witchy wanderings.
For scheduling and pass information, travelers can visit mbta.com/cr. So whether you approach Salem by rail, wheel, or perhaps an enchanted broom, the city and its partners are ready to make this year's Haunted Happenings accessible, memorable, and above all, safe.
