Watch the Special Event: Navigating the Orange Line Closure
James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement in response to the August 3rd announcement:
“The T’s decision to shut down an entire transit line that services more than 100,000 workers, families, and students to perform long deferred maintenance is clearly a drastic and unprecedented but necessary decision considering recent events. The T is underperforming in both service reliability and customer confidence in system safety. The short notice to commuters and employers is unfortunate and unfair – and demands an intensive and comprehensive alternative transportation plan coupled with a massive effort on communications, customer service, and employer coordination. The T must be committed to delivering a well-constructed, strategic service plan and clearly defining the work to be accomplished and the benefits to commuters of accepting this inconvenience. The T still needs to have a reckoning to hold themselves accountable and answer the questions of how we got here and how we avoid future service interruptions, planned and unplanned.”
Continued Advocacy
To help the Chamber continue to advocate for the business community, contact the Chamber’s Policy Team with questions, issues, and comments about the T’s performance before and during the Orange Line shutdown.
During this 30-day shutdown that will begin work at 9 p.m. on Friday, August 19, a number of service alternatives will be available. Regular Orange Line service is scheduled to resume on Monday, September 19.
Orange Line Service Alternatives
The MBTA’s “Rider’s Guide for Planning Ahead” includes details about schedules for increased commuter rail service and alternative travel options by station and accessibility options.
The Commuter Rail may be the best option for many Orange Line riders. During this shutdown, riders can show their CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to conductors to ride the Commuter Rail in Zones 1A, 1 and 2. All Commuter Rail stops along the Orange Line are accessible, and the Commuter Rail connects to the Red Line at South Station.
To access and ride the Commuter Rail, the CharlieCard does not need to be loaded with funds. Simply show your CharlieCard to the conductor to ride the train. CharlieCards are available at Boston Public Libraries through its CharlieCard Access Initiative.
Providence Line trains will make additional stops at Forest Hills:
- On weekdays, 24 Providence Line trains will stop at Forest Hills
- On weekends, 10 Providence Line trains will stop at Forest Hills
Haverhill Line trains will make additional stops at Oak Grove.
For service on the south side of the Orange Line and to Downtown, riders can take the Needham Line, which stops at:
- Forest Hills
- Ruggles
- Back Bay
- South Station (with a connection to the Red Line)
For service on the north side of the Orange Line, riders can take the Haverhill Line, which stops at:
- Oak Grove
- Malden Center
- North Station
Orange Line train service will be replaced with free, accessible shuttle buses:
- Between Oak Grove and North Station
- Between Back Bay and Forest Hills stations (with the exception of Massachusetts Avenue station).
Riders are encouraged to use Green Line service in the downtown Boston area at Government Center, Park Street, Boylston, Arlington, and Copley stations. From August 22 through September 18, shuttles will replace Green Line trains between Government Center and Union Square.
Free, accessible shuttle buses will operate between Oak Grove and North Station, and between Back Bay and Forest Hills (with the exception of Massachusetts Avenue Station). Trips on The RIDE that begin and end within 3/4 mile of the Orange Line will be free for RIDE users during the Orange Line shutdown. To schedule The Ride, call 844-427-7433 (MA Relay 711). All Commuter Rail stops along the Orange Line are accessible. Riders will be able to show their CharlieCard to conductors for Commuter Rail travel in Zone 1A, Zone 1, and Zone 2.
The majority of the Commonwealth’s workforce does not have the option to work from home, but for workplaces that have flexibility, employers should consider adding flexibility during the Orange Line shutdown. In addition to work from home flexibility, employers can consider not penalizing employees for arriving later than scheduled. Innovative solutions, like adding bike racks and corrals, near the office location can be helpful to encourage employees biking to work.
The City of Boston is offering free 30-Day Passes during the Orange and Green Line MBTA closures. Between August 19 and September 18, people will be able to get a free pass for an unlimited number of 45-minute trips, no matter where they live. Beginning August 19, sign up for a free 30-day pass by downloading the Bluebikes app, or navigating to Bluebikes.com/join, and selecting a Monthly Membership.
If possible, consider arranging or joining a carpool to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. The commuter rail and shuttles are suggested forms of transit and people planning to drive should anticipate longer travel time due to congested roadways.
Sign up for MBTA alerts for relevant changes and tips to help with your commute.
Chamber Members Operating Buses & Charters
Ally Charter Bus is a trusted charter bus rental service that specializes in providing fast, efficient transportation solutions with a network of over 1000+ buses.
National Charter Bus is one of the most trusted and sought-after motorcoach reservation services in the industry.
Academy has multiple charter bus types available and a fleet of more than 1,100 buses for customers throughout Greater Boston.
