The commuter rail system will restore service on 42 trains Monday, bringing service to about 75 percent of a regular weekday schedule, transportation officials said.
The restoration marks another step toward full recovery, which is slated for March 30, according to Keolis Commuter Services, the French company that operates the commuter rail for the MBTA.
"We told passengers that we were committed to adding trains back into the schedule as quickly as possible and we meant it," Gerald C. Francis, general manager of Keolis Commuter Services, said in a statement. "These routes were selected based on where we knew we could provide quality service on a consistent basis in order to have the greatest impact on the overall commuter rail schedule. We also took into account input from passengers about where there was the greatest need."
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Seeking to placate angry commuters, the MBTA will offer free fares on April 24 and discounts on monthly and weekly passes in May. Keolis said Monday's expected restoration marks the largest number of commuter trains resuming operations since the recovery schedule was put in place after a series of winter storms caused numerous cancellations and delays.
The restoration includes four trains each on the Newburyport/Rockport, Providence/Stoughton , Middleborough/Lakeville, Framingham/Worcester, Fairmount, Plymouth/Kingston, Greenbush, and Needham lines. Five trains will resume service on the Haverhill Line, three on the Lowell Line, and two on the Fitchburg Line.
The commuter rail operated at about 64 percent of its regular weekday schedule this week, said Mac Daniel, a spokesman for the company.
The next round of service restoration, scheduled for March 23, will be announced next week.
Aneri Pattani can be reached at aneri.pattani@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @apattani95.