MBTA Adds World Cup Rail Service for Foxborough
MBTA adjusts Commuter Rail schedules June 8-July 12 for seven World Cup matches at Foxborough
MBTA Adds World Cup Service June 8-July 12
Boston's Commuter Rail will run adjusted schedules from June 8 through July 12 to handle increased ridership for 2026 World Cup matches at Foxborough's Boston Stadium, transit officials announced. The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services plan to mobilize up to 20,000 riders across 14 trains per match on seven game days. All Commuter Rail lines will operate on modified timetables during the five-week period, with dedicated schedules for trains serving South Station on match days.
Context & Background
The schedule changes are part of broader Spring/Summer service adjustments taking effect May 25, officials said. Boston Stadium in Foxborough will host seven World Cup matches on June 13, 14, 16, 19, 23, 26, 29, and July 9, requiring enhanced rail capacity to transport international soccer fans. The MBTA's planning reflects lessons from previous major sporting events, where Commuter Rail provided dedicated service to stadium venues. Regular Spring/Summer schedules will resume July 13, one day after the adjusted World Cup service period ends.
Key Details
Most Commuter Rail lines including Fairmount, Fitchburg, Greenbush, Haverhill, Lowell, and Needham won't see major changes to current schedules, officials said. The Fall River/New Bedford, Framingham/Worcester, Franklin/Foxboro, and Newburyport/Rockport lines will have adjustments to improve reliability and reflect completed construction projects, including the new Foxboro Station. Boston Stadium Train tickets for the first five World Cup matches are available now on the mTicket app for $80 roundtrip. These tickets also provide unlimited travel across the entire Commuter Rail network on match days.
Timeline & Implementation
The new Spring/Summer schedules take effect May 25, with World Cup-specific adjustments beginning June 8. Trains to and from South Station will operate according to dedicated schedules on the seven World Cup match days throughout June and early July. The regular Spring/Summer schedule resumes July 13, officials confirmed. Governor Maura Healey announced summer fare promotions including Free Fridays and a 50% discount on monthly passes, with monthly passholders saving between $321 and $639 over the summer.
Rider Impact & Moovit
Riders should expect modified departure and arrival times across all Commuter Rail lines during the June 8-July 12 period, particularly on match days when dedicated schedules will be in effect. The $80 roundtrip Boston Stadium Train tickets offer unlimited same-day travel on the entire Commuter Rail network, providing flexibility for riders attending matches. Officials said detailed schedule information will be released before May 25. Moovit provides real-time Commuter Rail updates and trip planning for Boston-area transit riders navigating the World Cup service changes.
