WORCESTER, Mass. - The "Heart to Hub" train out of Worcester will no longer be an express route in the near future.

The train currently provides a faster trip from Worcester to Boston, with one stop in Framingham. Starting in October, it will add multiple stops between Union Station and West Natick before traveling directly to Boston Landing.

Worcester City Manager Eric Batista said he was caught off guard by the news and wants to do everything in his power to keep an express option available for Worcester residents.

“We haven’t heard much in regards to the ‘why,’” Batista said. “We’re a little bit disappointed. We’re going to work with the state and work with the MBTA to find out if there’s a way we can continue this express train.

“It’s very crucial for us in the city, it’s very crucial for commuters in Worcester and Boston, and we want to make sure that it retains, and not only retains, but we actually want to add more. And so we want to continue to have those conversations with the MBTA and learn a little bit about some of the decisions, in terms of what's happening, and how can we be more helpful in that process as well."

When asked if he saw this as a step backwards Batista agreed and said he wants as many trains and express routes as possible. He said he and his team are looking forward to further discussions on the matter.