Gov. Maura Healey, MBTA and Kraft Group mark opening of upgraded Foxborough commuter-rail station ahead of World Cup

Gov. Maura Healey announced the opening of a newly upgraded Foxborough commuter-rail station on the stadium side of Gillette Stadium, calling the $35 million project “a permanent new station for residents of this town and this region.”

The station, Healey said, includes multiple fully accessible platforms and was designed to serve both everyday commuters and large events such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup. “Here in Foxborough, this $35 million investment and major upgrade gives us multiple platforms that can handle more riders,” Healey said, and she thanked the MBTA, MassDOT, the Kraft Group and local labor partners.

MBTA General Manager and Interim Secretary of Transportation Phil Eng described the construction and operational benefits. He said crews converted a low-level and limited mini-high platform into an 800-foot, full-length high-level platform, with a temporary 700-foot platform used during construction. Eng said the permanent station was completed May 29 and service began June 1. “It stands as the quickest build in MBTA history,” he said, and he added the work was delivered under budget.

Eng outlined operational gains for event service: the MBTA plans to run about 14 trains for each match and expects the upgraded facility to cut crowd egress time from more than six hours to roughly 3½ hours. He said the station can serve up to 20,000 match riders and described related systemwide ridership and fare actions: commuter-rail monthly passes are half off this summer, Fridays are free systemwide, a $1 companion option is available to monthly ticket holders, and a $10 weekend pass is being offered.

Robert Kraft, CEO of the Kraft Group, emphasized the public–private partnership that helped deliver the project and said his company contributed more than $5 million toward the station. Kraft framed the work as the product of decades of planning and partnership between Foxborough and rail operators.

Officials credited unions, contractors and MBTA teams for the accelerated schedule and operational planning. Eng noted that commuter-rail ridership across the system is about 34% higher since 2023, a trend he linked to recent investments.

The ribbon-cutting concluded the ceremony with a staged photo and countdown; event staff guided participants through a brief program before officials cut the ribbon and attendees applauded. Service at the upgraded station is already running, officials said, and will support both World Cup match service and future events and commuter needs.