As Halloween season gets into gear in Salem, Massachusetts, officials in the Witch City were sharing preparations for large crowds with a news conference on Tuesday.
Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, as well as Police Chief Lucas Miller, and other officials held a news conference Tuesday, as they urged people to use public transit if they are planning a trip to the North Shore community in October.
“Salem is a fun and vibrant city,” Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said in a news release, “Because we don’t have enough parking to accommodate the number of visitors who visit, though, we strongly encourage visitors to consider alternative ways to travel to our city. There will be an increase in commuter rail trains throughout the month of October, as well as passenger capacity on our ferry to and from Boston.. So, this October, take the train, take the ferry, come by bike, or come by broom – but leave your car at home. You’ll have a much more enjoyable visit!”
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The city already announced road closures and detours for the next month to help them handle the influx of Halloween revelers. There’s hundreds of extra parking spaces with free shuttles to downtown, ferry capacity is quadrupled by mid-October, and the city works with Keolis and the MBTA to increase the number of trains heading to and from Salem.
Commuter Rail train service will double on weekends to and from Salem throughout October. The new fall/winter schedule also includes the return of late-night service.
“Commuter Rail is a safe, fast and reliable alternative to driving. We invite everyone to take their journey to Salem on the Commuter Rail this Halloween season,” Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis Commuter Services said in Tuesday's new release. “For Haunted Happenings, passengers will have four weekends of added service throughout October, in addition to the extended late-night service provided in the 2023 Fall/Winter schedule. Commuter Rail is the best option for arriving to Salem’s festivities and we encourage passengers to arrive early for boarding.”
$10 weekend commuter rail passes are available.
From haunted houses to the Hollowed Harvest jack-o-lantern festival, witch museums and magic shows, to the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade and Halloween Finale Fireworks – there’s something for everyone in Salem this time of year.
More details on street closures in Salem in October may be found here on the city' website.
