Massachusetts transportation authority implements reduced schedules and urges riders to exercise caution amid challenging weather conditions ahead. This proactive planning is essential to avoid disruptions to daily life, such as missing work shifts, medical appointments, or school commitments.
The MBTA issued details Friday about planned service changes due to the weekend winter storm.
Frigid temperatures, wind gusts, and significant snowfall are forecast for the Boston area.
The transit agency is asking riders to plan their trips in advance and allow extra time if they need to use public transportation during this period.
MBTA crews will work to clear snow across the entire system, but travelers are urged to use caution on platforms, at bus stops, when boarding and exiting trains, and at grade crossings.
January 25 and 26
Normal weekend service will be maintained across the MBTA network. However, riders are reminded that the Blue Line remains suspended between Bowdoin and Orient Heights stations this weekend.
Several bus routes may operate on their snow routes, designed to avoid steep hills, sharp turns, and narrow streets.
Monday is expected to have the most significant disruptions, with specific changes to each mode of transportation. Riders should expect adjustments to subway, bus, commuter rail, ferry, and paratransit services.
Subway: The Red, Orange, Green, and Blue Lines are expected to operate normally. The Mattapan Line will likely be suspended and replaced by shuttle buses due to snow. This is to protect the historic trolleys from potential damage.
Bus: Normal service is planned. Some routes may switch to snow routes to avoid unsafe areas, leading to possible detours.
Commuter Rail: All lines will operate on reduced storm schedules, running about every 90 minutes. This adjustment accommodates weather concerns and facilitates snow removal.
Ferry: Ferries will run on reduced schedules. The Hingham/Hull/Logan/Boston route shifts to hourly service; Charlestown ferries run every 30 minutes.
The RIDE: Paratransit is expected to operate normally, but riders may see snow-related delays.
Preparation Measures
The MBTA has implemented several measures to address winter conditions.
Buses and trains will be stored indoors when possible, and vehicles left outside will be regularly checked.
Crews will check signals, track heaters, and run empty trains to keep tracks clear and spot hazards.
On the Blue and Green Lines, crews will monitor and clear ice from overhead wires as needed.
The MBTA and Keolis have over 1,000 pieces of snow removal equipment deployed across the commuter rail network.
How to Stay Informed
The MBTA encourages riders to subscribe to T-Alerts, download the MBTA Go app, and consult the winter weather guide available on the agency’s website. This guide provides tips for staying connected and knowing what to expect on the network during extreme winter conditions.
Normal service is expected to resume on Tuesday across all modes of transportation.
This article is based on a statement from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Caribbean Television Network (CTN) provides multilingual media coverage serving immigrant communities in Massachusetts and beyond.
