The MBTA is hosting its first ever “Fall Rail Ride” next week, offering passengers a chance to enjoy scenic leaf peeping with autumnal bicycle tours and a trip to Wachusett Mountain’s AppleFest.
The special train will run on Saturday, Oct. 25, the MBTA announced in a statement. Passengers can purchase $20 tickets and board at North Station for 9:15 a.m. The ticket price covers a round-trip journey with two main destination options:
- West Concord: Bicyclists can disembark here to ride the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. The trail features two routes: a longer, more challenging path for experienced rides, and a shorter, slower route for those less experienced, have families or want to read historical facts along the way
- Wachusett: Passengers heading here will take a shuttle bus directly to Wachusett Mountain’s second week of its popular AppleFest
For the cycling group, the train will include special cycling coaches that can accommodate 75 bikes as well as a café cart with a fall-themed menu available for purchases.
Meanwhile, Wachusett Mountain will be celebrating Halloween at AppleFest, featuring everything from apple-flavored treats to candy and cocktails along with live music and a local crafters market, the orchard’s website reads.
The train is scheduled to arrive at West Concord at 9:55 a.m. and Wachusett at 10:45 a.m. The $20 tickets include the return trip in the afternoon, making the same stops.
The ticket also functions as a weekend commuter rail pass, allowing passengers to access the entire MBTA rail network for the whole weekend (Oct. 25 and 26).
Schedules can be found here. Tickets will be sold exclusively on the mTicket app beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 20.
“There is so much to enjoy in Massachusetts all year long, including the fall season, and we are excited to offer the new ‘Fall Rail Ride’ for the first time, allowing everyone to enjoy the spirit and beauty of the autumn season,” Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said. “Much like our CapeFLYER, Haunted Happenings, Football trains, and other special event services, the new ‘Fall Rail Ride’ is another example of how we are making mass transportation available for our riders. It is more than just commuting for work; it connects people and communities, allowing friends and families to leave their cars at home and enjoy all the fall festivities that New England has to offer.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
