Big Names Join Worcester Train Group After T's Express Train Cuts

WORCESTER, MA — Seven months after the MBTA downgraded express train service between Worcester and Boston, city officials have convened a group of top local leaders to examine how trains serve the state's second-largest city.

The train working group will focus most closely on Commuter Rail service, but also the planned East-West rail route serving Boston, Worcester, Springfield and Pittsfield and points in between.

In September, Keolis, the private company that operates Commuter Rail for the T, revealed that morning and afternoon express Heart To Hub trains between Worcester and Boston and would add four suburban stops — a downgrade that would add 20 minutes to what was a one-hour trip.

Keolis included the change as a short section in a news release, and city leaders in Worcester said they were "shocked" by the downgrade after previously asking for more express trains.

In a news release announcing the new train group, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty said train service is essential for Worcester since many people priced out of the Boston area are moving here.

"Efficient and multiple express trains to Boston are a must if the city of Worcester will continue to grow and prosper," he said.

The members of the group include some of the top leaders in education, business and government in Worcester: Tracy O'Connell Novick — a Commuter Rail rider and advocate who in March petitioned city councilors to help get express service back this spring — Holy Cross President Vincent Rougeau, former lieutenant governor and Worcester Chamber President Tim Murray, UMass Chan Medical School Vice Chancellor John Erwin, Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) member Richard Burke, Worcester Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn, Petty Chief of Staff Eliana Agudelo, MassDOT Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs Gus Bickford and City Manager Eric Batista's Community and Intergovernmental Affairs Manager David Quiroa.

MBTA Assistant General Manager for External Affairs Angel Donahue-Rodriguez will also be part of the group. Donahue-Rodriguez appeared before the WRA — which oversees Union Station, the city's Commuter Rail station — in October after the express train changes in a tense exchange with board members.

The T and Keolis will change Commuter Rail schedules again soon. The spring 2024 schedules go into effect on May 20, but have not been revealed publicly yet.

"This working group will advocate for new and seasoned riders, ensuring that Worcester has a seat at the table and is improving transportation options between New England’s two largest cities," Batista said in a news release.