USA: The Pat Patriot mascot of the New England Patriots American Football team joined Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority on September 12 for the launch of a pilot commuter rail service between Foxborough and Boston.
Commuters from Foxboro station were greeted by cheerleaders and complimentary Dunkin’ Donuts, gift cards and giveaways.
Located in Norfolk county, Massachusetts, Foxborough is the home of the Patriots Hall of Fame, about 35 km southwest of Boston.
A weekday commuter service using the branch off MBTA’s southwestern Franklin Line at Plimptonville was trialled from October 2019 until March 2020, but was then suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic. The reinstated service offers 11 inbound and 10 outbound trips each weekday, mainly during peak commuting times. These are operated by Keolis Commuter Services and integrated with Franklin Line trains to provide a more intensive schedule for stations on that route.
‘The combination of Foxboro station’s commuter-friendly schedule, free parking, 500-plus parking spaces, 24 h security and more make Foxboro Station an ideal option for commuters travelling to and from Boston’, said Brian Earley, General Manager of the Patriot Place shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Kraft Group is offering free parking at the station for the duration of the pilot project.
