MBTA Service Information During Upcoming Winter Storm

The MBTA today provided riders with service information in advance of the upcoming winter storm, including that Commuter Rail Storm Schedules will be implemented this Monday. With frigid temperatures, wind gusts, and snowy conditions predicted this weekend, the MBTA also urges riders to be safe, plan ahead, and allow for some extra time if traveling on the T this weekend. While crews will be working hard to clear snow and ice throughout the transit system, MBTA riders are reminded to use caution on platforms, at bus stops, when boarding/alighting trains, accessing stations, and approaching railroad crossings.

Riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-Alerts , download the MBTA Go app, and follow the MBTA on on X @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information. Check the MBTA's Winter Weather Guide at www.MBTA.com/Winter for tips on how to stay connected and what to expect on the T during extreme winter weather, including how to report bus stops in need of snow removal.

The MBTA and Keolis closely monitor weather forecasts to assess expected and real-time conditions related to scheduled service and operations. The following service changes are anticipated Sunday into Monday with regular service across all modes expected on Tuesday:

Sunday, January 25

• Normal weekend service across the entire MBTA system.
  
  • Riders are reminded of this weekend's Blue Line service suspension between Bowdoin and Orient Heights.
    
• Bus: Multiple bus routes will likely operate on their Snow Routes. Please see T-Alerts for the most updated information.
  
  • Buses operate on their Snow Routes to avoid steep hills, tight corners, and narrow streets.

Monday, January 24

• Subway:
  
  • Normal weekday service expected on the Red, Orange, Green, and Blue lines.
    
  • Mattapan Line service will likely be suspended and replaced with shuttle buses as snow conditions worsen in order to accommodate expected accumulated snowfall and to protect the nearly 80-year-old trolleys from potential damage. Please see T-Alerts for the most current service information.
    
• Bus:
  
  • Normal weekday service is expected.
    
  • Multiple bus routes will likely operate on their Snow Routes. Please see T-Alerts for the most updated information.
    
• Commuter Rail:
  
  • All Commuter Rail lines will operate on their reduced Storm Schedules. PDF Storm Schedules can be found on each individual Commuter Rail line webpage.
    
  • Storm Schedules were developed based on lessons learned in past years regarding Commuter Rail demand and performance both during and after severe weather events. Storm Schedules provide roughly one-third of regular Weekday Service on all lines, aimed at meeting ridership demand and providing travel options to essential workers while limiting the exposure of Commuter Rail trains to storm conditions and providing adequate access to storm clean-up crews.
    
• Ferry:
  
  • Ferry routes will operate on a reduced schedule:
    
    • Hingham/Hull/Logan/Boston will operate hourly service.
      
    • Charlestown will operate every 30 minutes.
      
    • Storm ferry schedules will be available on individual Ferry Line webpage soon.
      
• The RIDE:
  
  • Normal service is expected, though there will likely be snow-related travel delays.

Storm Preparations

This weekend, the MBTA will implement its cold-weather mitigation measures, which include:

• Storing buses and trains indoors overnight and conducting regular checks of vehicles that remain outside.
  
• Cycling train sets in and out of rail yards so they are not sitting idle for extended periods of time.
  
• For trains that are not running throughout the system, MBTA teams will be opening and closing doors as well as testing brakes and propulsion systems for any moisture buildup and freezing.
  
• Signaling and track crews will be inspecting all rights-of-ways to ensure that heaters for track switches and third rail are performing as designed.
  
• The MBTA will operate non-passenger trains to keep the tracks clear and to look for any trees or branches that pose a threat.
  
• MBTA emergency crews are on standby throughout the storm to respond to rail issues, issues affecting power systems, potential switch problems, and any flooding issues that may occur.
  
• Power crews will be on hand to inspect overhead wires on the Blue and Green lines for ice buildup on catenary wires. Crews will use ice cutters, installed on vehicles, to safely remove ice from impacting power lines.
  
• Increased staffing will be on-site throughout the duration of the weather event to respond to weather-related issues, and rail-borne snow-fighting equipment will be pre-deployed at key locations around the rapid transit network.
  
• The T also has contractors at the ready for snow clearing along key bus routes and T facility/employee parking, freeing up T personnel to concentrate on core system functions.
  
• Generators are deployed at key locations to mitigate the risk of potential power outages.
  
• Regarding the Commuter Rail, the MBTA and Keolis have more than 1,000 pieces of snow fighting equipment, including snow blowers, salt trucks, plows, and other equipment, that are deployed across the Commuter Rail network ahead of storms.
  
• To mitigate risk impacts to rail infrastructure from snow and ice, Keolis also deploys specialized equipment across the network such as snow jets and switch heaters that help keep rail switches clear of ice and snow and properly functioning.
  
• Ahead of the storm these switch heaters will be activated to ensure normal flow of train traffic.
  
• During the storm, Keolis personnel clear snow, apply sand and salt to passenger areas and MBTA parking lots managed by Keolis, and responds to any incidents, such as downed trees.