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Boston's Morning Newsletter
Another big Green Line closure has begun. Here are the (mostly free) ways to get around it
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Today marks the start of a short week for many local residents — and long commutes for some MBTA riders. Here’s what to expect:
Another multi-week partial Green Line closure has begun, this time stretching west from Copley Station up three of the line’s branches (see the diagram below). The 18-day diversion (through March 8) will facilitate track work that the T says should make the Green Line faster and more reliable. But it also means slower and more complicated commutes for most riders during the next two-and-a-half weeks. To soften the blow, the T is making a lot of stuff free during the disruption:
- B branch: Free shuttle buses are replacing train service between Babcock Street and Copley, and you’ll also be able to ride the 57 bus for free between Packard’s Corner and Kenmore. Additionally, no fares will be collected on the B branch west of Babcock Street.
- C branch: Free shuttles are replacing the entire branch, from Cleveland Circle to Copley. They’ll pick up/drop off at every stop — except for Saint Mary’s Street, Kent Street and Brandon Hall.
- D branch: Free shuttles will replace trains between Brookline Hills and Copley (and riders boarding westbound D branch trains at Brookline Hills will not be charged fares). You can also walk from Brookline Hills to Riverway Station to get on the Green Line’s E branch, which is fully up and running (albeit, not free).
- Heads up: Since E branch trolleys are the only trains going between Government Center and Copley during this diversion, expect longer waits than usual. (Trains will be running every 5-6 minutes, according to an MBTA spokesperson.) T officials strongly suggest taking the Orange Line for faster service downtown.
- Pro-tip: For free access to the T’s core subway system, fare gates are open at both Copley and the nearby Back Bay Orange Line station for the duration of the diversion. The commuter rail will also be free between Lansdowne, Back Bay and South Station.
Seeking shelter: A new day-shelter is opening at 9 a.m. today in Chelsea, as the state’s family shelter system remains overwhelmed. WBUR’s Todd Wallack reports the shelter will offer meals and space for up to 200 people, operating during business hours on weekdays only. La Colaborativa, the nonprofit running the shelter at its 318 Broadway headquarters, also plans to arrange transportation for those staying at an overnight-only overflow shelter in Cambridge.
- Zoom out: The space is one of nine shelters the United Way of Massachusetts Bay has helped set up in the last few months using a $5 million state grant. United Way Vice President Sarah Bartley says they plan to open “a couple” more shelters with the funding.
Bag it: TD Garden announced a restrictive new bag policy this weekend, as the arena implements new screening technology. The latest rules prohibit fans from carrying bags into the arena that are bigger than 6-by-4 inches (no bigger than a small purse).
- If you bring anything larger than that, your only option is to pay $15 to check your bag outside the arena. The Boston Herald reports the abrupt announcement of the policy caught many fans off-guard before Saturday’s Bruins game.
PSA: Public school students in Newton are headed back to class this February vacation week to make up for missed days during the city’s teacher strike earlier this winter. But getting there might be a little tricky. Some of Newton’s usual bus drivers have the week off, which school officials say may lead to delays. “Our bus vendor does have substitute drivers for the buses, but they may be unfamiliar with the roads and all of the stops,” the district wrote to parents last week.
Something brewing: Melrose will soon get its first craft brewery. The Boston Business Journal reports Hannah’s Brewery — founded by two Melrose natives — plans to open around St. Patrick’s Day on Main Street in the former dry town (until 2009).
P.S.— Want to report on the local arts scene? Applications are now open to be WBUR’s next Arts Reporting Fellow. The paid, part-time gig offers the opportunity to work with our arts team, pitch stories and contribute to both the website and radio broadcast. Learn more here.
