Franklin Line

In early 2019, the MBTA begin installation of an additional 3.8 miles (6.1 km) of double track - 3.3 miles (5.3 km) of new track plus the conversion of an existing siding) - between Walpole and Norfolk.[12] Major construction was completed in April 2020.[13]

The $30 million construction of an additional phase and preliminary design of a third were announced in November 2019. Phase 2 will add 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of double track between Franklin and Norfolk, with completion by the end of 2020; it will allow headways to drop from 45 to 35 minutes. Phase 3 is planned to complete double-tracking between just north of Franklin/Dean College station and just south of Readville station, including the modification of several stations.[14][12]

A train at Foxboro station in 2020

Until 1994, Boston–Foxboro service for Gillette Stadium events ran over the Providence/Stoughton Line, with a reverse move at Mansfield.[15] That year, Providence–Foxboro service was added, with Boston trains rerouted over the Franklin Line.[7] Initial intermediate stops were Back Bay, Dedham Corporate Center, and Norwood Central; Norwood Central was dropped beginning with the 2011 season.[16][17][18]

In September 2010, the MBTA completed a study to determine the feasibility of extending regular commuter rail service to Foxboro station via the Franklin Line. The study looked at extending some Fairmount Line service to Foxboro, running shuttle trains from Foxboro to Walpole, or a combination of both.[19] The MBTA planned to purchase trackage prior to restoring service; the Framingham Secondary, which provides access to Foxboro station, was acquired by the MBTA effective June 17, 2015. (CSX Transportation, the former owner of the branch, retained trackage rights over it.)[20]

In August 2017, the MBTA Fiscal Control Board approved an 11-month pilot program to test commuter rail service to Foxboro, with service planned to begin sometime in late 2018 or early 2019, although Fairmount Line advocates warned it might reduce service quality to existing Fairmount Line stations.[21] In October 2017, the MBTA indicated that service would begin on May 20, 2019.[22] Service during the trial period will consist of seven daily round trips - three during the morning peak period, three in the evening peak, and one midday.[23] The launch date was later delayed to October 21, 2019.[24][7]

By December 2019, daily boardings at Foxboro averaged 70 - one-third of the projected ridership.[25] Pilot service will be suspended from November 2, 2020 to Spring 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[26]

In July 2011, the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization began studying the viability of extending Franklin Line commuter rail service to Hopedale and Milford. The study would update a 1997 MBTA evaluation that concluded costs outweighed the benefits of a possible expansion. Local officials believe increased population and track upgrades to the Grafton and Upton Railroad may increase the viability of an extension.[27] 8 miles of track from Franklin Junction to Milford were leased by the MBTA from Conrail for the Forge Park/495 extension and to establish the possibility of future service to Milford.[7] A 2004 analysis determined that the extension would cost $70.5 million and attract about 1,800 additional riders per weekday.[28]