Providence/Stoughton Line#Extensions
{{short description|Line of the Boston MBTA Commuter Rail system}}{{Infobox rail line
| name = Providence/Stoughton Line
| color = {{rcr|MBTA|Providence}}
| image = Providence Line train approaching Canton Junction, April 2016.JPG
| image_width = 300px
| caption = An inbound Providence/Stoughton Line train approaching Canton Junction in April 2016
| system = MBTA Commuter Rail
| locale = Southeastern Massachusetts
Rhode Island
| start = South Station
| end = Wickford Junction, Stoughton
| stations = 18
| trainnumber = 802–893, 904–991 (weekdays)
5806–5893 (weekends)
| owner = MBTA (within Massachusetts)
Amtrak (within Rhode Island)
| operator = Keolis North America
| linelength = {{convert|62.9|miles}} (South Station–Wickford Junction)
{{convert|18.9|miles}} (South Station–Stoughton){{MBTA Bluebook 2014}}
| gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg}}
| map = {{switcher
|{{maplink-road|from=Providence/Stoughton Line.map}}
|Show interactive map
|{{Providence/Stoughton Line}}
|Show route diagram map
}}
| map_state =
| website = {{url|https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Providence}}
}}
The Providence/Stoughton Line is an MBTA Commuter Rail service in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, primarily serving the southwestern suburbs of Boston. Most service runs entirely on the Northeast Corridor between South Station in Boston and Providence station or Wickford Junction station in Rhode Island, while the Stoughton Branch splits at {{bts|Canton Junction}} and terminates at {{bts|Stoughton}}. It is the longest MBTA Commuter Rail line, and the only one that operates outside Massachusetts. The line is the busiest on the MBTA Commuter Rail system, with 17,648 daily boardings in an October 2022 count.
The portion between Boston and Providence was originally built by the Boston and Providence Railroad between 1834 and 1847. The portion south of Providence was built by the New York, Providence and Boston Railroad in 1837, while the Stoughton Branch was built by the Stoughton Branch Railroad in 1845. The lines were acquired by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad in the 1890s.
The MBTA began subsidizing service in the 1960s, and purchased the infrastructure and rolling stock from Penn Central in 1973. Service was cut back to {{bts|Attleboro}} in 1981, but rush-hour service returned as far as Providence in 1988 under an agreement with the state of Rhode Island. Off-peak service to Rhode Island resumed in 2000. An extension south from Providence opened to {{bts|T. F. Green Airport}} in 2010 and to Wickford Junction in 2012. All stations have been made accessible with high-level platforms. Newer stations like T.F. Green Airport, as well as stations shared with Amtrak, largely have full-length high level platforms; older stations have mostly been retrofitted with "mini-high" platforms one car length long.
History
File:MBTA 1101 on the Northeast Corridor (1), June 1982.jpg
File:Outbound train arriving at South Attleboro station, June 2013.JPG
The Boston and Providence Railroad (B&P) opened between Boston and Sprague Mansion in 1834, and on to Providence in 1835. A new line between Providence and East Junction via Central Falls, shared with the Providence and Worcester Railroad south of Central Falls, opened in October 1847. The B&P was leased by the Old Colony Railroad in 1888; the Old Colony was in turn leased by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad in 1893.{{cite book |title=Boston's Commuter Rail: The First 150 Years |last1=Humphrey |first1=Thomas J.|last2=Clark |first2=Norton D. |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association |year=1985 |isbn=9780685412947 |pages=29–37}}
At the peak of service around the turn of the century, weekday service included six Boston–Providence local round trips, seven round trips from Taunton and {{bts|New Bedford}} via {{bts|Mansfield}}, 62 Boston–{{bts|Forest Hills}} round trips running every 15 minutes, 12 Boston–Dedham round trips via {{bts|Readville}} and 24 via {{bts|West Roxbury}}, and 11 intercity round trips from beyond Providence. Connections to additional branch line trains were made at {{bts|Canton Junction}}, Mansfield, and East Junction. Forest Hills service was soon decimated by the competing Washington Street Elevated; branch line service declined in the 1920s and 1930s. Further reductions occurred after World War II; cuts in July 1959 reduced Providence service from 12 to nine round trips, Dedham service to one round trip, and Stoughton service to two round trips.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72094582/the-boston-globe/ |title=Alpert Lops Off 18 Providence to Hub Trains |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=July 3, 1959 |page=7 |via=Newspapers.com}}
=MBTA era=
On December 31, 1968, the recently formed Penn Central bought the failing New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. The MBTA bought the section of the Providence–Boston line in Massachusetts, as well as many other lines including the Stoughton Branch, from Penn Central on January 27, 1973. On April 1, 1976 Conrail took over Penn Central and the commuter rail equipment was sold to the MBTA. Conrail continued to operate the line under contract to the MBTA until 1977, when the Boston and Maine Railroad became the sole contractor for all MBTA commuter rail service. Full subsidies by the MBTA for the Providence and Stoughton lines began on September 28, 1976, before which the Federal government helped. On March 31, 1977, the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority and Rhode Island Department of Transportation began to subsidize service beyond the MBTA district, and Stoughton began to pay to keep its station open, that cost later going to the Brockton Area Transit Authority.
On November 3, 1979, the line was closed north of Readville for long-term reconstruction as part of the Southwest Corridor project. All trains began using what is now the Fairmount Line, and special shuttle trains connected South Station to Back Bay. The new line, rebuilt below grade with space for three tracks (the old one had been above grade with room for four tracks), opened on October 5, 1987.{{NETransit}} The Orange Line shares the corridor between Back Bay and Forest Hills.
After Rhode Island cut back its subsidy, Sunday service was truncated to Attleboro in October 1977, with off-peak and Saturday service following suit in April 1979. On February 20, 1981, the MBTA stopped serving Rhode Island altogether after that state declined to renew its subsidy. On September 17, 1986, Massachusetts and Rhode Island reached an agreement to resume service.{{cite book |url=http://web.mit.edu/cron/project/uncertainty/Dowd_Data/Baum_Snow/boston-history.txt |title=A Chronicle of the Boston Transit System |year=1992 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |via=Massachusetts Institute of Technology |last=Sanborn |first=George M. |access-date=2019-10-22 |archive-date=2015-08-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818013323/http://web.mit.edu/cron/project/uncertainty/Dowd_Data/Baum_Snow/boston-history.txt |url-status=dead }} Rush-hour service to Rhode Island was restored on February 1, 1988. On June 20, 1990, a new stop opened in South Attleboro and most trains were extended to the station; regular Sunday service returned in 1992.
In 1990, a northbound commuter train was involved in a collision with a northbound Night Owl train. The accident, which occurred to the west of Back Bay station, injured over four hundred people, although there were no fatalities.{{cite book |title=Railroad Accident Report RAR-92-01: Derailment and Collision of Amtrak Passenger Train 66 with MBTA Commuter Train 906 at Back Bay Station, Boston, Massachusetts, December 12, 1990 |title-link=:commons:File:NTSB RAR-92 01.pdf |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |date=February 25, 1992}}
Some off-peak weekday trains were extended to Providence starting on December 11, 2000. On July 24, 2006, the MBTA increased weekday Providence service from 11 to 15 daily round trips. Weekend service to Providence resumed on July 29, and a new layover facility was opened in Pawtucket.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2006-07-14/mbta-expanding-train-service-providence-weekdays-introducing-new-service-weekends |title=MBTA Expanding Train Service To Providence On Weekdays, Introducing New Service On Weekends |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=July 14, 2006}}{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924045332/http://www.projo.com/news/content/projo_20060425_ptrain25.5148608.html |archive-date=24 September 2009 |url=http://www.projo.com/news/content/projo_20060425_ptrain25.5148608.html |title=Planned rail yard will expand routes, relieve neighbors |newspaper=Providence Journal |last=Castellucci |first=John |date=25 April 2006}}{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2006-08-02/mbta-us-senator-jack-reed-ri-governor-carcieri-ridot-officially-open-pawtucket |title=MBTA, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, RI Governor Carcieri, RIDOT Officially Open Pawtucket Layover Facility |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=August 2, 2006}}
{{clear left}}
=Extensions=
== Providence Line ==
File:US FTA RI South County Commuter Rail Warwick Wickford.jpg
The South County Commuter Rail initiative, a 20-mile extension past Providence to {{bts|T. F. Green Airport}} and {{bts|Wickford Junction}} in Rhode Island was implemented between 2010 and 2012. The T. F. Green Airport part of the extension opened in December 2010, with Wickford Junction service beginning in April 2012.{{cite news |url=http://northkingstown.patch.com/articles/commuter-rail-station-to-open-in-2012 |title=Commuter Rail Station To Open In 2012 |author=Samantha, Turner |newspaper=North Kingston Patch |date=4 November 2010 |access-date=2 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425020132/http://northkingstown.patch.com/articles/commuter-rail-station-to-open-in-2012 |archive-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=dead }} An infill station at {{bts|Pawtucket/Central Falls}} opened on January 23, 2023.{{cite news |url=https://www.valleybreeze.com/townnews/transports/opening-in-january-new-pawtucket-cf-train-station-set-in-motion-two-decades-ago/article_0e924f6e-7a56-11ed-b72c-cb816e8618ac.html |title=Opening in January, new Pawtucket/CF train station set in motion two decades ago |newspaper=The Valley Breeze |date=December 14, 2023 |first=Ethan |last=Shorey |access-date=December 14, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Providence/alerts |title=Alerts: Providence/Stoughton Line |date=December 23, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223200523/https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Providence/alerts}}
Additional studies and proposals to expand Providence Line service have occurred; though none have been funded or pursued. In 2001, prior to the South County extension, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation considered constructing infill stations in Cranston and East Greenwich along with the addition of extending commuter service to existing Amtrak stations in Kingston and Westerly. Under this plan, RIDOT proposed the establishment of its own statewide commuter service along the Northeast Corridor that would connect with MBTA service and an extension of CTrail's Shore Line East.{{cite web |url=http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/intermodal/OperationsPlanMaster2.pdf |title=South County Commuter Rail Service: Operations Plan |publisher=Rhode Island Department of Transportation |author=Edwards and Kelcey, Inc |date=July 2001 |access-date=2 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416051517/http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/intermodal/OperationsPlanMaster2.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2009 }} Ultimately, the MBTA would be contracted to operate trains as far as Wickford Junction, with Kingston and Westerly being relegated to only Northeast Regional service.
Following the completion of the South County Commuter Rail Initiative, RIDOT's 2014 State Rail Plan recommended the implementation of a electric multiple unit shuttle service between Wickford Junction and Providence via T.F. Green Airport with half-hour headways. The service was expected to increase ridership at Wickford to as much as 3,400 riders per day; however, plans were dropped following the lower than expected ridership of the extension.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135532/http://www.planning.ri.gov/documents/trans/Rail_Plan_12_18_13.pdf "Rhode Island State Rail Plan 2014"] (PDF). Rhode Island Department of Administration. 2014. An extension to Westerly was once again studied by RIDOT in 2017; the study also assessed electrification and extensions of Shore Line East service to Westerly or Kingston. Ultimately, none of the alternatives moved beyond the preliminary study phase.[https://www.citycentrewarwick.com/sites/default/files/FRA-%20Feasibility%20Study%20for%20Intercity%20Rail%20Service%20to%20T.F.%20Green%20Airport-%202017_0.pdf "Feasibility Study for Intercity Rail Service to T.F. Green Airport"] (PDF). Amtrak and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. April 2017. A passing siding and new platforms at Kingston were completed in 2017, which may enable commuter services in the future.{{cite news |url=http://www.pbn.com/Kingston-MBTA-stop-project-proposed,47003 |title=Kingston MBTA stop project proposed |newspaper=Providence Business News |author=Barrett, Chris |date=31 December 2009 |access-date=8 April 2013}}File:Dighton and Somerset railbed south of Bridge Street, Raynham, December 2022.JPG
== Stoughton Branch ==
{{Main articles|South Coast Rail}}
A major extension of the Stoughton Branch has been proposed since the late-1980s as a part of the South Coast Rail project. In the mid-2010s, South Coast Rail was split into two phases with the Stoughton extension being relegated to Phase 2 of the project due to rising costs. As proposed, Phase 2 would extend the Stoughton Branch south over the abandoned Dighton and Somerset Railroad through Easton, Raynham, and Taunton before meeting the Fall River/New Bedford Line at East Taunton. Currently, the line between Stoughton and Dean Street in Taunton is abandoned; however, the route was rail-banked for future service, precluding it from overdevelopment. Upon completion, Fall River/New Bedford service would be rerouted via Stoughton instead of {{bts|Middleborough}}. Preliminary plans called for the reconstruction of Canton Center and Stoughton stations; new stations on the extended route would include North Easton, Easton Village, Raynham Place, and Taunton.{{Cite web |title=South Coast Rail {{!}} Projects {{!}} MBTA |url=https://www.mbta.com/projects/south-coast-rail |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=www.mbta.com}} As of 2025, the development of Phase 2 has stalled since 2019.Medeiros, Dan (July 10, 2024). [https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/2024/07/10/south-coast-rail-what-is-the-full-build-and-will-it-be-constructed/74346910007/ "Even when it opens, South Coast Rail may never be completely 'finished.' Here's why"]. The Herald News.{{Cite web |title=South Coast Rail {{!}} Projects {{!}} MBTA |url=https://www.mbta.com/projects/south-coast-rail |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.mbta.com}}
= Electrification =
File:Northbound train departing Pawtucket Central Falls station, December 2023.jpg currently operates diesel locomotives on the electrified Northeast Corridor]]
Amtrak electrified the Northeast Corridor north of New Haven to Boston as part of the Northeast High Speed Rail Improvement Program in 2000; however, the MBTA has not utilized this, and continues to operate diesel locomotives under-wire. Electrified commuter service had not been pursued due to costs associated with traction substation expansion, electric multiple unit procurement, as well as additional catenary installation at several station sidings and layover facilities.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-16 |title=Amtrak is Blocking MBTA Electrification |url=https://pedestrianobservations.com/2019/05/16/amtrak-is-blocking-mbta-electrification/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=Pedestrian Observations |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=NEC Regional Rail Plan (RI-MA) |url=https://www.dot.ri.gov/Projects/RegionalRailPlan/docs/NEC_Regional_Rail_Plan.pdf}} By the late 2010s, the MBTA began exploring options to pilot electric trains for Providence service as part of a long-term transition to regional rail.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Patrick |title=Providence-Boston trains every 20 minutes? |url=https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/2019/11/04/mbta-board-wants-providence-boston-trains-every-20-minutes/2366640007/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=The Providence Journal |language=en-US}}
The MBTA would propose several pilots for electric Providence service during the early 2020s; however, none would come to fruition. In 2019, the MBTA had preliminary discussions with Amtrak about leasing Siemens ACS-64 electric locomotives to test on the Providence Line.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/03/21/take-train-mbta-mulling-electric-locomotives/kWekh87ZPI7IKKr3EjmIUJ/story.html |title=Take the E-train? MBTA mulling electric locomotives |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=March 21, 2019 |first=Adam |last=Vaccaro}} By 2021, the MBTA shifted plans to instead pilot electric multiple units (EMU) on Providence service in 2024, with the Fairmount Line and the inner section of the Newburyport/Rockport Line electrified later in the decade.Sawers, Alistair (April 12, 2021). [https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-06/10.%20Rail%20Transformation%20Technology%20Board%20Update%20v2.pdf "Regional Rail Transformation Update: EMU Pilot and Phase 1 Planning Update"] (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 12, 2021.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-14 |title=New Northeast Corridor Rail Plan Would Boost MBTA Providence Line Projects - Streetsblog Massachusetts |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2021/07/14/new-northeast-corridor-rail-plan-would-boost-mbta-providence-line-projects |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=mass.streetsblog.org |language=en}} In June 2022 the MBTA reversed plans and specified that pilot electric service would utilize leased Amtrak locomotives, not EMUs, in 2024; additionally, long-term electrification would utilize battery-electric multiple units (BEMU) on the Providence/Stoughton Line and Fairmount Line by 2028–29.{{cite web |last=Sawers |first=Alistar |date=June 23, 2022 |title=Regional Rail Transformation Update: Traction Power Planning for Regional and Urban Rail Services |url=https://mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-06/10.%20Rail%20Transformation%20Technology%20Board%20Update%20v2.pdf |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |page=9}} By 2024, all plans to pilot electric service on the Providence Line had been indefinitely postponed.
In late 2022 RIDOT applied for a $3 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant to study Providence Line electrification; however, the application was rejected by the FRA in 2023, which precluded the study.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Patrick |title=Providence to Boston in 45 minutes? RIDOT, MBTA studying faster, cleaner electric trains |url=https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/state/2023/03/13/ridot-studying-electric-trains-for-providence-commuter-rail-mbta/69981296007/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=The Providence Journal |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=RIDOT |date=2022 |title=NEC Regional Rail Plan (RI-MA) |url=https://www.dot.ri.gov/Projects/RegionalRailPlan/docs/NEC_Regional_Rail_Plan.pdf}} In July 2024, the MBTA and Keolis moved forward with a proposal to procure and operate BEMUs on the Fairmount Line by 2028; however, Providence service was omitted due to increased fleet requirements.{{Cite web |title=MBTA Board Approves Keolis Plan to Introduce Battery Electric Trains on Fairmount Commuter Rail Line {{!}} News {{!}} MBTA |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-07-25/mbta-board-approves-keolis-plan-introduce-battery-electric-trains-fairmount |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=www.mbta.com}}[https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/fairmount-line-keolis-decarbonization-proposal-update-3-7-25-2024.pdf "Fairmount Line Decarbonized Service"] (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. July 25, 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=The T's New Electric Fairmount Line Trains Could Run On Other Lines, Too - Streetsblog Massachusetts |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2024/08/13/the-ts-new-electric-fairmount-line-trains-could-run-on-other-lines-too |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=mass.streetsblog.org |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Norton • • |first=Michael P. |date=2024-08-13 |title='We're finally doing it': Plan for electric MBTA trains sparks early celebration |url=https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/mbta-electric-commuter-trains/3458950/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=NBC Boston |language=en-US}}
Several preliminary projects to enable electric service have been proposed or are underway. A {{convert|1.7|mile|adj=on}} section of non-electrified platform sidings at Attleboro, not included in the initial Amtrak electrification, was planned for electrification in mid-2022 to support future electric MBTA operations; however, the project was delayed and completed in mid-2024.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-01/2021-01-25-fmcb-I-rail-transformation.pdf |title=Regional/Urban Rail Transformation Update |date=January 25, 2021 |first=Alistair |last=Sawers |page=10 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} Electrification of the station siding at T.F. Green Airport to enable Northeast Regional service has been subjected to several planning studies.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Patrick |title=Would you take the train to TF Green airport? RI pursuing $247M Amtrak station |url=https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2022/01/15/ri-pursuing-247-million-dollar-amtrak-station-at-tf-green-airport-electrifying-tracks/6528147001/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=The Providence Journal |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Zangari |first=Adam |date=2023-11-29 |title=Study of Amtrak Warwick stop nearly complete |url=https://www.cranstononline.com/stories/study-of-amtrak-warwick-stop-nearly-complete,234470 |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=Cranston Herald |language=en}} Preliminary plans for Phase 2 of the South Coast Rail project would fully electrify the Stoughton extension and the Phase 1 route.{{clear left}}
=Special event service=
In August 1971, the MBTA began operating Boston–{{bts|Foxboro}} and Providence–Foxboro service for events at the new Foxboro Stadium.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101752782/the-boston-globe/ |title=Special trains planned for Patriots' stadium |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=July 17, 1971 |page=19 |via=Newspapers.com}} Providence service ended early in the 1973 season due to insufficient ridership; Boston service ended that October.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101752921/the-boston-globe/ |title=Patriots halt train service |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=October 25, 1973 |page=50 |via=Newspapers.com}} Boston service via the Franklin Line resumed in 1986.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94080270/the-boston-globe/ |title=MBTA to run trains to Patriots' games |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=September 2, 1988 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}} It was rerouted over the Providence/Stoughton Line in 1989, with intermediate stops at Back Bay, Hyde Park, Route 128, Canton Junction, Sharon, and Mansfield; a reverse move was made at Mansfield to access the Framingham Secondary.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94244374/the-boston-globe/ |title=The latest words from the streets |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=September 18, 1989 |page=15 |via=Newspapers.com |first=Jerry |last=Ackerman}} Boston–Foxboro service was again rerouted over the Franklin Line in 1995.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94091470/the-boston-globe/ |title=How to get to the game |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=December 4, 1994 |page=63 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94091398/the-boston-globe/ |title=How to get to the game |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=September 10, 1995 |page=93 |via=Newspapers.com}} Providence–Foxboro event service resumed for the 1997 season, with intermediate stops at South Attleboro, Attleboro, and Mansfield.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101755419/the-boston-globe/ |title=[Advertisement] |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=October 11, 1996 |page=90 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60718319/the-boston-globe/ |title=If you're going to the game... |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=September 14, 1997 |page=64 |via=Newspapers.com}} Event service was extended to T.F. Green Airport in 2012, but cut back to Providence in 2019.{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/patriots/ |title=Riding the T: Patriots |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919202058/http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/patriots/ |archive-date=September 19, 2012}}{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822094348/https://mbta.com/destinations/gillette-stadium |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |url=https://mbta.com/destinations/gillette-stadium |title=Gillette Stadium |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}
=COVID-19 pandemic=
Substantially reduced schedules were in effect from March 16 to June 23, 2020. Service changes effective November 2, 2020, shifted some peak service to off-peak, providing 60-minute all-day headways between Providence and Boston.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-09/2020-09-14-fmcb-K-fall-commuter-rail-schedules-accessible.pdf |title=Fall 2020 Commuter Rail Schedule Changes |date=September 14, 2020 |first=Rob |last=DiAdamo |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} Reduced schedules were again put in effect on December 14, 2020.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-12-10/commuter-rail-temporarily-operate-reduced-service-schedule-starting-december-14 |title=Commuter Rail to Temporarily Operate Reduced Service Schedule Starting December 14 |date=December 10, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} As part of a schedule change on January 23, 2021, Sunday morning Boston–Providence service began operation for the first time since the New Haven era.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2021-winter/2021-01-23-cr-providence-accessible-v2.pdf |title=Providence/Stoughton Line 2021 Winter Schedule |date=January 23, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} On February 26, 2021, South Attleboro station was temporarily closed due to structural deterioration. Full service was restored on April 5, 2021.{{cite press release |url=https://www.keoliscs.com/news/reminder-spring-2021-commuter-rail-schedules-take-effect-april-5/ |title=Reminder: Spring 2021 Commuter Rail Schedules Take Effect April 5 |publisher=Keolis Commuter Services |date=April 1, 2021 |access-date=June 4, 2021 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603210850/https://www.keoliscs.com/news/reminder-spring-2021-commuter-rail-schedules-take-effect-april-5/ |url-status=dead }} As part of that schedule change, all Providence/Stoughton Line trains began stopping at Ruggles station after an additional platform there was completed.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/projects/ruggles-station-improvements/update/ruggles-elevators-and-commuter-rail-platform-now |title=Ruggles Elevators and Commuter Rail Platform Now Complete |date=April 7, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2021-spring/2021-04-05-spring-ruggles-back-bay-south-station.pdf |title=Ruggles/Back Bay/South Station: Spring 2021 Schedule |date=April 5, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} Additionally, the final Providence-bound train on weekdays began stopping at Forest Hills station to provide a transfer to a shuttle train to Needham.{{cite web|url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2021-spring/2021-04-05-spring-needham-accessible.pdf|title=Needham Line Spring 2021 Schedule |date=April 5, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}{{cite web|url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2021-spring/2021-04-05-spring-providence-stoughton-v2-accessible.pdf |title=Providence/Stoughton Line Spring 2021 Schedule |date=April 5, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} During the closure of the Orange Line from August 19 to September 18, 2022, additional Providence/Stoughton Line trains stopped at Forest Hills.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2022-summer/2022-08-10-cr-hyde-park-forest-hills-ruggles-back-bay-south-station-ol-shutdown.pdf |title=Hyde Park - Forest Hills - Ruggles - Back Bay - South Station: 2022 Orange Line Surge Schedule |date=August 19, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} One of these trains – a midday Providence outbound – continued to stop after September 19.{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Providence/alerts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916043521/https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Providence/alerts |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |title=Alerts: Providence/Stoughton Line |date=September 15, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}
Daily ridership reached 17,648 in October 2022 – 69% of pre-COVID ridership. On October 2, 2023, the last evening Stoughton-bound train began operating via the Fairmount Line – the first such service since 2004.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_6697/2023-10-02-cr-fall-winter-providence-stoughton-line.pdf.pdf |title=Providence/Stoughton Line: Fall/Winter Schedule |date=October 2, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} South Attleboro station reopened with limited weekday service – three northbound and four southbound trains – on May 20, 2024. All weekend service and some weekday service began stopping at Readville station to provide timed transfers with Franklin/Foxboro Line trains operating over the Fairmount Line.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/11.%20Draft%202_Spring%202024%20Schedule%20Changes_Board%20Meeting%20Slides_April%202024%20v1.pdf |title=Spring 2024 Transportation Schedule Changes |date=April 25, 2024 |first=Ryan |last=Coholan |page=7 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_7006/2024-05-20-cr-providence-stoughton-line-spring-summer.pdf |date=May 20, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |title=Providence/Stoughton Line Spring/Summer Schedule |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507210801/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_7006/2024-05-20-cr-providence-stoughton-line-spring-summer.pdf |archive-date=May 7, 2024}}
Service
{{As of|February 2022}}, weekday service has 20 Boston–Providence round trips, half of which run to Wickford Junction, and 16 Boston–Stoughton round trips. Weekend service has nine Boston–Providence round trips, with no Wickford Junction or Stoughton service.{{cite magazine |magazine=Rollsign |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association |date=January–February 2022 |issue=1–2 |volume=59 |title=MBTA Vehicle Inventory as of February 28, 2022 |first=Jonathan |last=Belcher |page=17}}
The main branch forms the far northern leg of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. All Acela Express trains and all Northeast Regional routes between Boston and New York City run along this line. South Station, Back Bay, Route 128 and Providence have long ranked among the busiest Amtrak stations in the country. With fast and frequent MBTA and Amtrak service, the Providence-Boston share of the Northeast Corridor is one of the busiest rail lines in the country.
=Ownership and financing=
The MBTA owns the section from Boston to the Rhode Island border (called the Attleboro Line), while Amtrak owns all track in Rhode Island.{{cite press release |title=Amtrak to continue providing service to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority under new agreement |date=August 7, 2017 |url=https://media.amtrak.com/2017/08/amtrak-continue-providing-service-massachusetts-bay-transportation-authority-new-agreement/ |publisher=Amtrak |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606132337/https://media.amtrak.com/2017/08/amtrak-continue-providing-service-massachusetts-bay-transportation-authority-new-agreement/ |archive-date=June 6, 2020}} The entire line is part of the Northeast Corridor.
As part of the 1988{{cite web |url=http://mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=20815 |title=COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE TO WARWICK'S T.F. GREEN STATION UNDERWAY |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=8 December 2010 |access-date=2 October 2011}} Pilgrim Partnership Agreement, Rhode Island provides capital funding (including some of its federal formula funds) for MBTA expansion in the state. Massachusetts (through the MBTA) provides the operating subsidy for MBTA Commuter Rail service in return.{{cite web |url=http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/RI_Providence_South_County_(2).doc |title=South County Commuter Rail |publisher=Federal Transit Administration |year=2011 |access-date=2 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927171117/http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/RI_Providence_South_County_(2).doc |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=dead }} Rhode Island also pays Amtrak to allow the MBTA to use its tracks.{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/10/vote_set_on_t_link_to_ri_airport/ |title=Vote set on T link to R.I. airport |newspaper=Boston Globe |author=Bierman, Noah |date=10 September 2009 |access-date=2 October 2011}}
Station listing
File:Ruggles commuter platform, May 2012.JPG
File:Pawtucket-Central Falls station from Barton Street (2), August 2015.JPG
| class="wikitable"
!Fare zone !Location !Miles (km){{cite web |url=http://acm.jhu.edu/~sthurmovik/movies/MBCR+Maps+(2010).pdf |title=Massachusetts Bay Colony Railroad Track Charts |year=2010 |author=Held, Patrick R. |publisher=Johns Hopkins Association for Computing Machinery |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008000656/http://acm.jhu.edu/~sthurmovik/movies/MBCR%2BMaps%2B%282010%29.pdf |archive-date=October 8, 2013 }} !Station !Connections and notes |
| rowspan="4" | 1A
| rowspan="7" |Boston |{{convert|0.0|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|South Station}} |{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: {{lnl|Amtrak|Acela}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Lake Shore Limited}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Northeast Regional}} |
| {{convert|1.2|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Back Bay}} |{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: Acela, Lake Shore Limited, Northeast Regional |
| {{convert|2.2|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Ruggles}} |{{ric|MBTA|Commuter Rail|name=y}}: Franklin/Foxboro and Needham lines |
| {{convert|5.0|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Forest Hills}} |Limited service |
| bgcolor=dfdfdf
| |{{convert|6.5|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{bts|Mount Hope}} |Closed November 2, 1979 |
| 1
|{{convert|8.4|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Hyde Park}} |{{ric|MBTA|Commuter Rail|name=y}}: Franklin/Foxboro Line |
| rowspan="2" | 2
|{{convert|9.5|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Readville}} |{{ric|MBTA|Commuter Rail|name=y}}: Fairmount and Franklin/Foxboro lines |
| Westwood
|{{convert|11.4|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Route 128}} |{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: Acela, Northeast Regional |
| 3
|{{convert|14.8|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Canton Junction}} |Split with Stoughton Branch |
| 4
|{{convert|17.9|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Sharon}} | |
| bgcolor=dfdfdf
| |{{convert|23.0|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{bts|East Foxboro}} |Closed November 1977 |
| 6
|{{convert|24.7|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Mansfield}} |{{bus icon}} {{MBTA other buses|Mansfield intercity}} |
| rowspan="2" |7
| rowspan="2" |Attleboro |{{convert|31.8|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Attleboro}} |{{bus icon}} GATRA: {{MBTA other buses|Attleboro GATRA}} |
| {{convert|36.8|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|South Attleboro}} |Limited service |
| bgcolor=dfdfdf|
|rowspan=2|Pawtucket, RI |bgcolor=dfdfdf|{{convert|39.0|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |bgcolor=dfdfdf|{{bts|Pawtucket–Central Falls}} |bgcolor=dfdfdf|Closed February 19, 1981 |
| rowspan="2"|8
|{{convert|39.5|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Pawtucket/Central Falls}} |{{bus icon}} RIPTA: {{MBTA other buses|Pawtucket Central Falls RIPTA}} |
| Providence, RI
|{{convert|43.6|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Providence}} |{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: Acela, Northeast Regional |
| 9
|{{convert|51.9|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|T. F. Green Airport}} |{{bus icon}} RIPTA: {{MBTA other buses|TF Green RIPTA}} |
| 10
|{{convert|62.9|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Wickford Junction}} |{{bus icon}} RIPTA: {{MBTA other buses|Wickford Junction RIPTA}} |
| colspan=6 align=center |{{color box|#dfdfdf}} Closed station |
=Stoughton Branch=
| class="wikitable"
!State !Fare zone !Location !Station !Connections and notes |
| rowspan=3|MA
| rowspan="2" |3 | rowspan="2" |Canton |{{convert|14.8|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Canton Junction}} |Splits from main line (Northeast Corridor) |
| {{convert|15.6|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}}
|{{access icon}} {{bts|Canton Center}} |{{ric|MBTA|Bus|name=y}}: {{MBTA bus links|Canton Center}} |
| 4
|{{convert|18.9|miles|1|adj=ri1|abbr=values}} |{{access icon}} {{bts|Stoughton}} |{{bus icon}} BAT: {{MBTA other buses|Stoughton BAT}} |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category inline|MBTA Providence/Stoughton Line}}
{{Attached KML}}
- [http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=PROVSTOU MBTA - Providence/Stoughton Line schedule]
{{Northeast Corridor navbox}}
{{MBTA}}
{{Massachusetts-Rhode Island transit agencies}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Providence Stoughton Line}}