MBTA Adds Event Trains for Soccer Match Crowds

MBTA schedules four special trains from South Station to Foxborough for France-Brazil match

MBTA Adds Foxborough Trains for France-Brazil Match

Soccer fans heading to Thursday's France vs Brazil match will have a direct commuter rail option from downtown Boston. The MBTA will run four special event trains from South Station to Foxborough for the 4pm kickoff, transit officials said. Passengers will be sorted into boarding groups A and B to manage the expected crowds.

Event Service Details

The special trains are designed to handle the surge of soccer fans traveling to the match, according to the transit agency. Event trains will depart every 15 minutes starting at 12:45pm for Group A ticket holders. The MBTA typically operates event service for major sporting events and concerts at Foxborough venues, adjusting schedules based on expected attendance. Officials didn't specify the total capacity of the four trains or how many passengers they expect to transport.

Boarding Groups and Logistics

Passengers will be divided into boarding groups A and B to streamline the loading process at South Station, officials said. Group A ticket holders can begin boarding with the first train at 12:45pm. The agency didn't provide details about when Group B boarding begins or how passengers will be assigned to groups. Transit officials also didn't say whether ticket holders need to pre-register for boarding groups or if assignments will be made at the station.

Match Day Schedule

The special service runs Thursday with trains departing South Station beginning at 12:45pm, giving fans time to reach Foxborough before the 4pm match start. Officials didn't announce return service details or whether additional trains will run after the match concludes. The MBTA typically provides post-event service for major Foxborough events, though specific schedules weren't available.

Rider Information

Soccer fans should plan to arrive at South Station early to allow time for boarding group processing and potential crowds. Officials said they'll have staff on hand to direct passengers to the correct boarding areas. Riders can check Moovit for real-time departure updates and platform assignments on match day. The transit agency didn't say whether regular Foxborough commuter rail service will be affected by the special event trains.