Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The MBTA released the Rider’s Guide to Planning Ahead Friday, with alternative transportation and detailed route information in preparation for the Orange Line 30-day shutdown and the 28-day Green Line partial shutdown.
Mayor Michelle Wu and Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge also announced the city of Boston will offer free 30-day Bluebike passes for residents while the closure is in place. The pass includes unlimited 45-minute trips.
“Expanding access to bicycles is just one way the City is working to provide alternate routes of travel during this unprecedented shutdown,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement. “Our City departments are meeting daily with the MBTA to adjust shuttle routes, set bus priority lanes, and create multilingual signage. As an Orange Line commuter, I will continue riding the MBTA to see firsthand how these alternate routes are working for our residents.”
The Orange Line will be be completely closed to passengers from Oak Grove to Forest Hills stations starting at 9 P.M. on Friday, August 19, while the Green Line will be closed from Union Square to Government Center stations beginning Monday, August 22.
According to the graphic posted by the MBTA, Orange Line service between Haymarket and Back Bay Station will not be available. Riders will need to take a shuttle to the Green Line Government Center Station, where they will ride the Green Line until Copley Station. From there, passengers who wish to continue down the Orange Line route will transfer to another shuttle at Copley Station.
Riders can simply show their CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to conductors to ride the Commuter Rail in Zones 1A, 1, and 2 on all lines at no charge. Orange Line Commuter Rail surge schedules for Hyde Park, Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, and South Station can be viewed on the MBTA website. Additionally, Oak Grove, Malden Center, and North Station can be viewed on the website.
Free shuttle buses will be available between Oak Grove and Haymarket/Government Center and between Forest Hills and Back Bay/Copley during the Orange Line shutdown. Green Line passengers can ride free shuttle busses in lieu of regular service between Government Center and Union Square. The shuttle will stop at Lechmere station and the Lechmere station bus loop.
All shuttle buses are ADA-accessible. If accessible van service is preferred, riders can ask MBTA workers at each station to request service. Due to shuttle services being free of charge, RIDE trips will begin and end within three-fourths mile of the Orange Line will be free for RIDE users during the 30-day shutdown.
The MBTA is encouraging T riders to use a trip-planner to anticipate their route before their journey.
During the Orange Line month-long shutdown, the MBTA will be replacing over 3,500 feet of track to improve service and safety for riders.
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