On Wednesday, August 3rd, the MBTA announced that the Orange Line will be shut down for 30 days. The Orange Line services over 100,000 people – students, schools, hospitals, office workers, and more – and stretches from Malden to Jamaica Plain. The shutdown of the entire line will begin August 19 and service will resume on September 19. In support of the communities and business impacted, Small Business Strong will offer consultative services to help navigate the shut down.

Resources for Business Impacted

Greater Boston Chamber of Boston Orange Line Resources

The Chamber will provide ongoing updates and resources for employers and employees, including alternate travel options and recommendations. 

MBTA
City of Boston Resources

Orange Line Service Alternatives

MBTA Trip Planner

 

The MBTA updated the Trip Planner to reflect changes due to the Orange Line shutdown. Enter the starting location and end location to receive trip suggestions and estimated timing.

More Info

Commuter Rail

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

Commuter Rail Orange Line Surge Schedule

Shuttle Buses

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).
Alternative Bus Routes

Many MBTA bus routes have increased service frequency and rider capacity:

 

    • Silver Line 4 and Silver Line 5 Buses, which includes service to Chinatown
    • Route 39 Buses, which service Forest Hills – Back Bay Station
    • CT2 buses, which service Sullivan Square – Ruggles Station
    • Route 92 and 93 buses, which service Sullivan Square – Downtown Crossing
    • Route 43 buses, which service Ruggles – Park Street
Green Line

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.

 

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