Auburndale is a regional rail station on the MBTA Commuter Rail Framingham/Worcester Line, located next to the Massachusetts Turnpike in Auburndale, Massachusetts near Lasell College. The modern bare station platform, built in 1961, replaced a highly acclaimed 1881 depot building designed by H. H. Richardson. Commuter service at Auburndale is oriented towards rush hour service, but a handful of off-peak locals stop as well, as do all weekend trains.A full renovation of the station for handicapped accessibility is planned. However, the project has attracted criticism because of concerns it will degrade service on the entire line.HistoryOpeningThe Boston and Worcester Railroad opened the segment from West Newton to Wellesley Hills in July 1834. A second track was added in 1839, and in 1843 the railroad began offering season fares for around $60, making it one of the first commuter rail systems. Due to the popularity of the other Newton stops, a station at Auburndale was opened in the early 1850s. The depot was located on the south side of the tracks in a large open area at the intersection of Auburn Street, Lexington Street, and several other roads. In 1867, the Boston & Worcester joined with the Western Railroad to become the Boston & Albany Railroad.
