Thinking about taking the commuter train to Salem for spooky season this year? Maybe think again.
After weeks of telling the public to take to the rails - which the MBTA has done for the past few years - the agency had to cancel scheduled and added train routes on the Newburyport/Rockport line this past Sunday due to what they described as “availability issues,” reports Patch.
Translation: The MBTA didn’t have enough rail workers to staff the extra trains.
The MBTA first posted on social media about the cancellations of the Halloween Happenings train shortly before 8am on Sunday.
“Scheduled service will likely be restored this afternoon,” the MBTA wrote.
Why are there more trains to Salem from Boston?
The MBTA added 10 more inbound trains to Salem from North Station and eight more outbound trains, as well as seven more outbound trains from Salem to Beverly, WCBV reports. This temporary schedule should have trains arriving in Salem from North Station about every 40 minutes during the day.
Last year, weekend rail ridership to Witch City set a record, exceeding pre-pandemic rates by 400%, said city officials.
Celebrate Halloween in Boston instead
If this makes you skittish about heading to Salem, whether it’s fear of cancellations or massive crowds, we’ve got you covered with dozens of activities and events right here in the Hub. The Liberty Hotel is hosting a Barbie and Ken costume party, several spots are hosting Dia de los Muertos events and there are costumed bar crawls all weekend long. Or, try a haunted tour, check out some spooky tunes and even more ideas to get into the seasonal spirit!