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Boston's Morning Newsletter
How to get around the MBTA's partial Red Line closure
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
It’s Friday the 13th. Did you know there’s a word — a very long word — for the fear of this particular day? It’s called paraskevidekatriaphobia.
Now if only there was a word for the fear of a big MBTA shutdown lurking around the corner…
Get ready, Red Line riders: Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 16-day closure of the Red Line’s Ashmont branch. That means the Red Line will only run trains between Braintree and Alewife this weekend through Sunday, Oct. 29. The Mattapan trolley line will also stop running during the 16-day stretch. MBTA officials are encouraging Red Line riders in Dorchester and Mattapan to work from home (if they can) or plan for a slower commute via the alternative travel options. Here’s a look at the ways around the closure.
- Free shuttle buses will run back and forth from the Red Line’s JFK/UMass station, making stops at all four Ashmont branch stations and all seven Mattapan line stops. According to the T’s website, there’ll be a new bus every two to three minutes between Ashmont and JFK/UMass during rush hours (and every 12 to 15 minutes along the Mattapan line). But they do have to contend with traffic. The T’s trip planner estimates that it will take 35 minutes to go from Ashmont to JFK/UMass in the morning — about twice as long as the train usually takes. From the end of the Mattapan line, the bus to JFK/UMass will take nearly an hour.
- The Fairmount commuter rail line will also be free during the closure, though it’s a bit of a walk from the closest Red Line and Mattapan trolley stops (and runs every 45 minutes). The closest Fairmount Line stop is Blue Hill Avenue, a third-of-a mile (or seven-minute walk) walk from Mattapan Station. From there, it’s a 25-minute ride to South Station. The Talbot Avenue stop is also within a mile from Shawmut and Ashmont stations
- Other MBTA buses could also be a good option, depending on your specific trip. The 18 bus — which the T says will be free during the 16-day closure — runs up and down Dorchester Avenue, while the 24 route runs parallel to the Mattapan trolley. You could even take the 31 bus to the Orange Line.
- Will this inconvenience be worth it? The MBTA thinks so! Officials say they’ll be able to do six months-worth of track repairs and upgrades. They’re aiming to alleviate 28 speed restrictions, which should make Red Line trips significantly faster.
- What’s next: MBTA General Manager Phil Eng recently hinted that there’s more Red Line work coming in November. However, the details (i.e. where and when) are still TBA.
Another option to get around the Red Line closure: Hop on a Bluebike, which just got cheaper for most Boston residents. Mayor Michelle Wu announced yesterday that the city is cutting the price of a yearly Bluebikes membership from $129 to $60 for Boston residents who have not had an annual membership in the last three years. The offer will be available through next June. You can apply here.
- Additionally, the city is further reducing the $50-a-year Bluebikes membership for low-income individuals to just $5 to qualifying Boston residents. Low-income Bostonians under the age of 16 can get the $5 deal whether or not they have had a past membership.
- As for the Red Line closure: Wu said the city will offer “a limited number of free Bluebikes passes” during the partial line closure, and also install extra docks by Red Line stops. City officials say more details about those plans will be announced later today.
- In related news: A new report found that fatal crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians have dropped big time in Boston. It’s especially notable since pedestrian deaths across Massachusetts (and across the country) saw a spike in 2022.
Heads up: Local law enforcement agencies are increasing security at religious and cultural centers today, after Hamas leaders called for a global day of protest today to support its attacks on Israel.
- The Boston Globe reports that Massachusetts state police say they are not aware of any specific or credible threats. Still, officials say people should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
P.S.— Do you know which Massachusetts elected official received boos for their comments during a Boston Common rally to support Israel? Take our Boston News Quiz and see how closely you’ve been following this week’s stories.
