MBTA Adjusts Four Lines for Stadium Event Service

MBTA suspends Foxboro Line, cuts service on three other routes for Gillette Stadium match

MBTA Cuts Service on 4 Lines for March 26 Match

Boston commuters face major service disruptions March 26 when the MBTA suspends or reduces service on four commuter rail lines for a soccer match at Gillette Stadium. The Franklin, Foxboro, Fairmount, and Stoughton lines will see schedule changes throughout the day, with the Foxboro Line seeing no regular service at all. Transit officials said the modifications are necessary to accommodate special event trains running between South Station and the stadium. The changes affect both regular weekday commuters and soccer fans heading to the France-Brazil friendly match.

Service Cuts Part of Stadium Event Plan

The service modifications allow the transit agency to dedicate equipment and crews to special event trains serving Gillette Stadium, according to the MBTA. Transit agencies typically suspend or reduce regular service on lines serving major venues during large events to concentrate resources on moving crowds efficiently. The March 26 changes affect lines that share track infrastructure with the Foxboro route used for stadium service. Officials said the adjustments balance the need to transport soccer fans with maintaining some level of regular commuter service on affected lines.

Franklin Line Loses Five Trains, Foxboro Suspended

The Foxboro Line will see the most dramatic impact, with no regular service operating all day March 26. Franklin Line passengers will lose five trains: numbers 735, 771, 744, 776, and 792 won't operate. The Fairmount Line will run reduced service with trains every 60 to 90 minutes after noon, and those trains won't stop at Readville station during that period. Stoughton Train 972 will be rerouted to operate via the Fairmount Line instead of its usual route. The MBTA said the specific trains cut were selected to minimize impact on peak commuting periods while freeing up equipment for stadium service.

Special Event Trains Start at 12:45 PM

Special event trains will depart South Station starting at 12:45 PM, with four nonstop trains leaving every 15 minutes to transport fans to Foxboro. Return service begins 30 minutes after the final whistle, with trains departing every 15 minutes back to Boston. Round-trip tickets cost $30 and are required to board the special event trains, officials said. The agency didn't specify how long return service will continue or what happens if trains reach capacity during peak departure times.

Commuters Urged to Plan Alternative Routes

Regular commuters on affected lines should plan alternative routes or adjust travel times for March 26, transit officials said. Those attending the match must purchase $30 round-trip tickets in advance to use the special event trains. The MBTA said it'll provide updates as the event date approaches, though officials didn't specify where riders can find detailed alternative routing suggestions. Moovit provides real-time updates for MBTA commuter rail lines and can help riders navigate service changes and find alternative connections during the disruption.