MBTA Orange & Green Line Shutdown

 Shutdown Website

RIDER’S GUIDE   TRIP
PLANNER
MBTA UPDATES DIVERSION MAP

 

The MBTA will suspend all Orange Line service for 30-days and shutdown part of the Green Line for 4 weeks from August 19th to September 18th. Please sign up for MBTA service alerts, refer to the MBTA Rider's Guide to Planning Ahead, also available for Students, and visit the MBTA Orange Line Green Line Shutdown website for all updates. A Better City is here to support our members and stakeholders during this unprecedented service disruption, which will have a significant impact on the region’s mobility, and we will keep you informed of any major updates. To provide feedback on your experience, please contact Caitlin Allen-Connelly.


WHO'S AFFECTED? 

 

The entire region will be affected by the service shutdowns. Congestion is expected to increase by as much as 20% on some roadways, and the disruption will increase commute times on public transit options. Employees along the commuter rail lines ending at North Station as well as employees traveling from the neighborhoods the Orange Line passes through, Malden, Medford, Somerville, Charlestown, the North End, Chinatown, Back Bay, the South End, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain, however, will be most severely impacted.  

 

MBTA ONLINE RESOURCES

The MBTA has several online resources (see links above) to assist riders in navigating their commute during the shutdown. Their dedicated shutdown website should be the primary resource for information. The City of Boston has a short flyer that provides a quick overview of transit options available during the shutdown in multiple languages. A Better City will also distill and communicate information to members when necessary. Follow the MBTA on social media. Twitter: @MBTA; Facebook: TheMBTA; Instagram: @thembta; Youtube: MBTAGM; TikToc: @thembta. 


ORANGE LINE SERVICE ALTERNATIVES

Service alternatives are available during the shutdown. The MBTA recommends shifting to commuter rail, when possible; provides free bus shuttles; offers suggestions on alternative options, including MBTA bus, subway, the RIDE; and encourages City of Boston 30-day free Bluebikes membership 



Source: MBTA

 

Commuter Rail 

The MBTA encourages Orange Line riders to take the Commuter Rail during the shutdown. Additional service will be available at stations along the Orange Line route. The T Rider's Plan provides more information on schedules, stations, travel times. A Better City continues to advocate for more frequent and enhanced service to reduce the inconvenience and door-to-door travel times. Riders can use the Commuter Rail at no charge from all stations in Zone 1, 1, and 2 by showing a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.  



Source: MBTA

The MBTA created Commuter Rail schedules that provide details on the service to and from stations served along the Orange Line
 

Keolis announced updates to service on the South Side. See schedule changes below.

 

 

 

FREE BUS SHUTTLE SERVICE

The MBTA is offering free, fully-accessible bus shuttle service.  

To navigate your commute, access the online Orange Diversion Map, which provides information on routes and bus stops.


ORANGE LINE DIVERSION MAP

SUBWAY
  • After August 21st, the Green Line E Branch will be a viable option for some riders during the shutdown.  

    • Ruggles 
    • Massachusetts Ave.  
    • Back Bay  
    • Chinatown  
    • Downtown Crossing  

ALTERNATIVE BUS ROUTES
  • Silver Line 4 and Silver Line 5 - including added T bus service to increase frequency and rider capacity
  • Route 39 bus, servicing Forest Hills – Back Bay Station
  • CT2 bus, servicing Sullivan Square – Ruggles Station
  • Route 92 and Route 93, servicing Sullivan Square – Downtown Crossing
  • Route 43, servicing Ruggles – Park St.

 

THE RIDE

Due to the free shuttle bus service, RIDE trips that begin and end within ¾ mile of the Orange Line will be free for RIDE users during the 30-day shutdown.

BLUEBIKES

City of Boston offering free 30-day passes during the upcoming MBTA Orange Line shutdown. These bike share passes will be available to anyone and provide an unlimited number of 45-minute trips at no cost. Bluebikes staff will be present at key Bluebikes stations in Boston to provide guaranteed access to bikes and Bluebikes parking. For additional information, utilize the Bluebikes system map.
 

Free Bluebikes 30 Day Membership Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation

Green Line Service Alternatives

(August 22 to September 18)

The MBTA is providing free and accessible shuttle buses between Government Center and Union Square for the duration of the Green Line shutdown (August 22 to September 18). The shuttles will also make stops at Lechmere station and the Lechmere station bus loop. 

ACCESSIBILITY

  • Disability vans will be available at some stations. Contact an MBTA Ambassador at the station if you require use.  
  • To ask questions or report complaints about this diversion, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Customer Support Center by calling 617-222-3200 (MA Relay 711) or by submitting an online customer complaint form. 
  • If you have questions specific to any of the accessibility considerations mentioned in this e-mail, you can also contact the Department of System-Wide Accessibility directly at swa@mbta.com

Need Help?  

  • For questions or comments related to this project, please email the Orange Line Transformation team at OLT@mbta.com
  • To report construction issues or noise complaints, please call the OLT project hotline at 617-222-3393. 

 


A Better City Advocacy on the Orange & Green Line Shutdown

 

 

 

The MBTA has several online resources (see links above) to assist riders in navigating their commute during the shutdown. Their dedicated shutdown website should be the primary resource for information. The City of Boston has a short flyer that provides a quick overview of transit options available during the shutdown in multiple languages. A Better City will also distill and communicate information to members when necessary. Follow the MBTA on social media. Twitter: @MBTA; Facebook: TheMBTA; Instagram: @thembta; Youtube: MBTAGM; TikToc: @thembta. 


ORANGE LINE SERVICE ALTERNATIVES

Service alternatives are available during the shutdown. The MBTA recommends shifting to commuter rail, when possible; provides free bus shuttles; offers suggestions on alternative options, including MBTA bus, subway, the RIDE; and encourages City of Boston 30-day free Bluebikes membership 



Source: MBTA

 

Commuter Rail 

The MBTA encourages Orange Line riders to take the Commuter Rail during the shutdown. Additional service will be available at stations along the Orange Line route. The T Rider's Plan provides more information on schedules, stations, travel times. A Better City continues to advocate for more frequent and enhanced service to reduce the inconvenience and door-to-door travel times. Riders can use the Commuter Rail at no charge from all stations in Zone 1, 1, and 2 by showing a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.  



Source: MBTA

The MBTA created Commuter Rail schedules that provide details on the service to and from stations served along the Orange Line
 

 

FREE BUS SHUTTLE SERVICE

The MBTA is offering free, fully-accessible bus shuttle service.  

To navigate your commute, access the online Orange Diversion Map, which provides information on routes and bus stops.


ORANGE LINE DIVERSION MAP

SUBWAY
  • After August 21st, the Green Line E Branch will be a viable option for some riders during the shutdown.  

    • Ruggles 
    • Massachusetts Ave.  
    • Back Bay  
    • Chinatown  
    • Downtown Crossing  

ALTERNATIVE BUS ROUTES
  • Silver Line 4 and Silver Line 5 - including added T bus service to increase frequency and rider capacity
  • Route 39 bus, servicing Forest Hills – Back Bay Station
  • CT2 bus, servicing Sullivan Square – Ruggles Station
  • Route 92 and Route 93, servicing Sullivan Square – Downtown Crossing
  • Route 43, servicing Ruggles – Park St.

 

THE RIDE

Due to the free shuttle bus service, RIDE trips that begin and end within ¾ mile of the Orange Line will be free for RIDE users during the 30-day shutdown.

BLUEBIKES

City of Boston offering free 30-day passes during the upcoming MBTA Orange Line shutdown. These bike share passes will be available to anyone and provide an unlimited number of 45-minute trips at no cost. Bluebikes staff will be present at key Bluebikes stations in Boston to provide guaranteed access to bikes and Bluebikes parking. For additional information, utilize the Bluebikes system map.
 

Free Bluebikes 30 Day Membership Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation

Green Line Service Alternatives

(August 22 to September 18)

The MBTA is providing free and accessible shuttle buses between Government Center and Union Square for the duration of the Green Line shutdown (August 22 to September 18). The shuttles will also make stops at Lechmere station and the Lechmere station bus loop. 

ACCESSIBILITY

  • Disability vans will be available at some stations. Contact an MBTA Ambassador at the station if you require use.  
  • To ask questions or report complaints about this diversion, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Customer Support Center by calling 617-222-3200 (MA Relay 711) or by submitting an online customer complaint form. 
  • If you have questions specific to any of the accessibility considerations mentioned in this e-mail, you can also contact the Department of System-Wide Accessibility directly at swa@mbta.com

Need Help?  

  • For questions or comments related to this project, please email the Orange Line Transformation team at OLT@mbta.com
  • To report construction issues or noise complaints, please call the OLT project hotline at 617-222-3393. 

 


A Better City Advocacy on the Orange & Green Line Shutdown

 

The MBTA has several online resources (see links above) to assist riders in navigating their commute during the shutdown. Their dedicated shutdown website should be the primary resource for information. The City of Boston has a short flyer that provides a quick overview of transit options available during the shutdown in multiple languages. A Better City will also distill and communicate information to members when necessary. Follow the MBTA on social media. Twitter: @MBTA; Facebook: TheMBTA; Instagram: @thembta; Youtube: MBTAGM; TikToc: @thembta. 


ORANGE LINE SERVICE ALTERNATIVES

Service alternatives are available during the shutdown. The MBTA recommends shifting to commuter rail, when possible; provides free bus shuttles; offers suggestions on alternative options, including MBTA bus, subway, the RIDE; and encourages City of Boston 30-day free Bluebikes membership 



Source: MBTA

 

Commuter Rail 

The MBTA encourages Orange Line riders to take the Commuter Rail during the shutdown. Additional service will be available at stations along the Orange Line route. The T Rider's Plan provides more information on schedules, stations, travel times. A Better City continues to advocate for more frequent and enhanced service to reduce the inconvenience and door-to-door travel times. Riders can use the Commuter Rail at no charge from all stations in Zone 1, 1, and 2 by showing a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.  



Source: MBTA

The MBTA created Commuter Rail schedules that provide details on the service to and from stations served along the Orange Line
 

 

FREE BUS SHUTTLE SERVICE

The MBTA is offering free, fully-accessible bus shuttle service.  

To navigate your commute, access the online Orange Diversion Map, which provides information on routes and bus stops.


ORANGE LINE DIVERSION MAP

SUBWAY
  • After August 21st, the Green Line E Branch will be a viable option for some riders during the shutdown.  

    • Ruggles 
    • Massachusetts Ave.  
    • Back Bay  
    • Chinatown  
    • Downtown Crossing  

ALTERNATIVE BUS ROUTES
  • Silver Line 4 and Silver Line 5 - including added T bus service to increase frequency and rider capacity
  • Route 39 bus, servicing Forest Hills – Back Bay Station
  • CT2 bus, servicing Sullivan Square – Ruggles Station
  • Route 92 and Route 93, servicing Sullivan Square – Downtown Crossing
  • Route 43, servicing Ruggles – Park St.

 

THE RIDE

Due to the free shuttle bus service, RIDE trips that begin and end within ¾ mile of the Orange Line will be free for RIDE users during the 30-day shutdown.

BLUEBIKES

City of Boston offering free 30-day passes during the upcoming MBTA Orange Line shutdown. These bike share passes will be available to anyone and provide an unlimited number of 45-minute trips at no cost. Bluebikes staff will be present at key Bluebikes stations in Boston to provide guaranteed access to bikes and Bluebikes parking. For additional information, utilize the Bluebikes system map.
 

Free Bluebikes 30 Day Membership Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation

Green Line Service Alternatives

(August 22 to September 18)

The MBTA is providing free and accessible shuttle buses between Government Center and Union Square for the duration of the Green Line shutdown (August 22 to September 18). The shuttles will also make stops at Lechmere station and the Lechmere station bus loop. 

ACCESSIBILITY

  • Disability vans will be available at some stations. Contact an MBTA Ambassador at the station if you require use.  
  • To ask questions or report complaints about this diversion, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Customer Support Center by calling 617-222-3200 (MA Relay 711) or by submitting an online customer complaint form. 
  • If you have questions specific to any of the accessibility considerations mentioned in this e-mail, you can also contact the Department of System-Wide Accessibility directly at swa@mbta.com

Need Help?  

  • For questions or comments related to this project, please email the Orange Line Transformation team at OLT@mbta.com
  • To report construction issues or noise complaints, please call the OLT project hotline at 617-222-3393. 

 


A Better City Advocacy on the Orange & Green Line Shutdown

 

 

 

The MBTA has several online resources (see links above) to assist riders in navigating their commute during the shutdown. Their dedicated shutdown website should be the primary resource for information. The City of Boston has a short flyer that provides a quick overview of transit options available during the shutdown in multiple languages. A Better City will also distill and communicate information to members when necessary. Follow the MBTA on social media. Twitter: @MBTA; Facebook: TheMBTA; Instagram: @thembta; Youtube: MBTAGM; TikToc: @thembta. 


ORANGE LINE SERVICE ALTERNATIVES

Service alternatives are available during the shutdown. The MBTA recommends shifting to commuter rail, when possible; provides free bus shuttles; offers suggestions on alternative options, including MBTA bus, subway, the RIDE; and encourages City of Boston 30-day free Bluebikes membership 



Source: MBTA

 

Commuter Rail 

The MBTA encourages Orange Line riders to take the Commuter Rail during the shutdown. Additional service will be available at stations along the Orange Line route. The T Rider's Plan provides more information on schedules, stations, travel times. A Better City continues to advocate for more frequent and enhanced service to reduce the inconvenience and door-to-door travel times. Riders can use the Commuter Rail at no charge from all stations in Zone 1, 1, and 2 by showing a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.  



Source: MBTA

The MBTA created Commuter Rail schedules that provide details on the service to and from stations served along the Orange Line
 

 

FREE BUS SHUTTLE SERVICE

The MBTA is offering free, fully-accessible bus shuttle service.  

To navigate your commute, access the online Orange Diversion Map, which provides information on routes and bus stops.


ORANGE LINE DIVERSION MAP

SUBWAY
  • After August 21st, the Green Line E Branch will be a viable option for some riders during the shutdown.  

    • Ruggles 
    • Massachusetts Ave.  
    • Back Bay  
    • Chinatown  
    • Downtown Crossing  

ALTERNATIVE BUS ROUTES
  • Silver Line 4 and Silver Line 5 - including added T bus service to increase frequency and rider capacity
  • Route 39 bus, servicing Forest Hills – Back Bay Station
  • CT2 bus, servicing Sullivan Square – Ruggles Station
  • Route 92 and Route 93, servicing Sullivan Square – Downtown Crossing
  • Route 43, servicing Ruggles – Park St.

 

THE RIDE

Due to the free shuttle bus service, RIDE trips that begin and end within ¾ mile of the Orange Line will be free for RIDE users during the 30-day shutdown.

BLUEBIKES

City of Boston offering free 30-day passes during the upcoming MBTA Orange Line shutdown. These bike share passes will be available to anyone and provide an unlimited number of 45-minute trips at no cost. Bluebikes staff will be present at key Bluebikes stations in Boston to provide guaranteed access to bikes and Bluebikes parking. For additional information, utilize the Bluebikes system map.
 

Free Bluebikes 30 Day Membership Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation

Green Line Service Alternatives

(August 22 to September 18)

The MBTA is providing free and accessible shuttle buses between Government Center and Union Square for the duration of the Green Line shutdown (August 22 to September 18). The shuttles will also make stops at Lechmere station and the Lechmere station bus loop. 

ACCESSIBILITY

  • Disability vans will be available at some stations. Contact an MBTA Ambassador at the station if you require use.  
  • To ask questions or report complaints about this diversion, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Customer Support Center by calling 617-222-3200 (MA Relay 711) or by submitting an online customer complaint form. 
  • If you have questions specific to any of the accessibility considerations mentioned in this e-mail, you can also contact the Department of System-Wide Accessibility directly at swa@mbta.com

Need Help?  

  • For questions or comments related to this project, please email the Orange Line Transformation team at OLT@mbta.com
  • To report construction issues or noise complaints, please call the OLT project hotline at 617-222-3393. 

 


A Better City Advocacy on the Orange & Green Line Shutdown

 

 

 

MBTA Fare Calculator

A Better City has published a new tool to help you calculate the number of trips needed to recover the cost of your monthly MBTA pass. The Monthly Pass Break-Even Calculator seeks to help inform your decision whether to purchase a monthly MBTA pass for those in a hybrid work situation. To learn the real cost of a pass and the number of full fare trips needed to meet the breakeven point, simply enter into the calculator the level of employer subsidy (if any) and whether or not the pass is purchased with pre-tax dollars through the Perq program. The results are displayed as the number of one-way and round trips needed to cover the cost of the pass. Not only helpful to the individual commuter, this tool also helps employers "do the math" and see the impact that transit benefit dollars can have on the value of a monthly pass for hybrid commutes. The numbers might surprise you.

 

MBTA Travel zones

Image credit: MBTA

 

NOTE

Please note that the calculations from this tool are based on monthly LINK or Commuter Rail passes purchased through the MBTA's Perq Program, at automated MBTA fare machines, or through the MBTA's website. These calculations do not include monthly passes purchased through the mTicket app or other fare products such as Local Bus, Inner Express Bus, Outer Express Bus, and Ferry. Such capability may be added in future versions of this tool.

The intent of this tool is to empower commuters and employers to calculate the number of trips needed to recover the total monthly pass cost under the current fare structure. It should not be interpreted as an endorsement of that fare structure by A Better City.

"Take The T" Toolkits available now

As announced in a press conference at Back Bay Station recently, the MBTA is encouraging riders who have been away to come back and "Take the T". They are also reaching out to the new students who are getting settled in metro-Boston. To support robust use of public transit, the T has released two new toolkits that present comprehensive information from the Ride Safer campaign, mask rules, scheduling, fares, a trip planning tool, and ways to stay in touch with the MBTA in real time via social media and other channels. The toolkit for employers and employees includes additional information about system improvements over the last 18 months as well as the Fare Calculator featured on this page and the Vaccination Map, both developed by A Better City. You can view and download the Employer/Employee Toolkit here, and the Student Toolkit here.