MBTA

Our ongoing coverage of Boston's public transit system, the oldest in the nation.

Lawmakers ask DPU chief to testify at hearing on MBTA safety

State lawmakers have asked the head of the Department of Public Utilities to testify on the agency’s role monitoring safety at the troubled MBTA, at a hearing slated for early...

Boston-area commuter rail trips 'effectively free' during month-long Orange Line shutdown

As an alternative during the disruptive shutdown, MBTA officials will allow riders to simply show their CharlieCard or CharlieTicket for commuter rail trips within Zones 1A, 1, and 2.

How to get around the MBTA’s 30-day Orange Line shutdown

Here are the transit alternatives for Boston-area residents commuting in from Oak Grove, Forest Hills and every stop in between.

Gov. Baker blames MBTA woes on economy, construction firm

Gov. Charlie Baker Monday fended off attacks from Democrats about the MBTA's recent string of safety woes and service cuts.

MBTA will keep expanded service on the Fairmount Line

“It’s definitely a very great benefit to this community to be able to have access to this commuter rail line.”

A federal agency is looking into 'ongoing safety issues' at the T

The Federal Transit Administration is set to inspect the MBTA’s transit operations and maintenance programs, citing concerns about safety and oversight.

Red Line train that dragged a man to death had a faulty safety feature

A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board found the Red Line train that dragged a passenger to his death had a fault in the door control system that...

Commuter rail gets back on track as workers return to the office

MBTA data shows weekday ridership continued to rise in April, to a little more than half of what it was before the pandemic.

Riders not ready to let go of their mask after the T drops mandate

While some riders seem ready to show their unmasked faces on the T’s trains, buses and trolleys, many riders are hesitant to do the same.

We asked, you answered: Where should the next MBTA extension go?

MBTA officials are aiming to complete the Green Line Extension this summer. So, what's next? WBUR readers weighed in on where they think the next big T expansion should go.

Service on two MBTA commuter rail lines will be back on track after a staff shortage

“This is the type of flexibility and on the fly action that we need to be able to take to deal with some of the pressures with workforce availability related...

Study: Driver's license suspensions could boost depression and unemployment

Massachusetts residents can have their driver's license suspended for a wide range of reasons that have nothing to do with driving, such as failing to pay their taxes. But a...

All-door boarding could could be costly for the T, new study says

A new study from the Pioneer Institute says the MBTA could be facing fare evasion costs of $35 million.

Poll finds most Mass. voters support free bus service for low income communities

MassInc Polling Group surveyed more than 1,000 voters to gauge consensus on issues including free public transportation and a November ballot measure that would change the state constitution to allow...

Business

Jan 13, 2022

This Green Line car is significantly damaged after striking another trolley along Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. (Courtesy NTSB)

Rollins opens investigation into T over Green Line crash

“The agency failed to fulfill its legal obligation to take meaningful action in light of the real safety risk these acts created. We will be looking into whether the T’s...

Business

Jan 6, 2022

An MBTA Blue Line train at Orient Heights Station. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

MBTA may resume COVID testing for employees as omicron threatens staffing

Up until last month, the T offered workers free testing at its Everett facility. A spokesperson said the program ended because demand decreased as more workers were vaccinated.

Business

Jan 3, 2022

MBTA bus driver Joao Goncalves transports passengers from Chelsea over the Tobin Bridge en route to Haymarket. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

MBTA trimming bus service amid driver shortage

About 5% of currently scheduled MBTA bus trips will be eliminated when a new winter schedule takes effect this month, part of the agency's response to what its leaders described...

Business

Dec 8, 2021

Riders board the 23 Ruggles bus at Ashmont Station, one of the three bus routes included in the expansion plans for fare-free bus service in Boston. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Boston City Council green lights Wu's plan for 3 free bus routes

The $8 million program to provide fare free service on routes 23, 28, and 29 would come from federal COVID-19 relief funding.

Business

Dec 1, 2021

City councilors ask Wu administration for long-term plan for fare-free buses plan

City Councilor Frank Baker expressed concern about the lack of a sustainable funding source to keep the three bus routes free after the first two years are up.

Business

Nov 29, 2021

Buoyed by early results, Boston and Worcester push to extend free public transit

"It’s amazing. About time they try to do something for us.”

Business

Nov 18, 2021

Sections

Radio

Podcasts

CitySpace

Support

Subscribe to our weekday newsletter

MBTA

Lawmakers ask DPU chief to testify at hearing on MBTA safety

Boston-area commuter rail trips 'effectively free' during month-long Orange Line shutdown

How to get around the MBTA’s 30-day Orange Line shutdown

Gov. Baker blames MBTA woes on economy, construction firm

MBTA will keep expanded service on the Fairmount Line

A federal agency is looking into 'ongoing safety issues' at the T

Red Line train that dragged a man to death had a faulty safety feature

Commuter rail gets back on track as workers return to the office

Riders not ready to let go of their mask after the T drops mandate

We asked, you answered: Where should the next MBTA extension go?

Service on two MBTA commuter rail lines will be back on track after a staff shortage

Study: Driver's license suspensions could boost depression and unemployment

All-door boarding could could be costly for the T, new study says

Poll finds most Mass. voters support free bus service for low income communities

Rollins opens investigation into T over Green Line crash

MBTA may resume COVID testing for employees as omicron threatens staffing

MBTA trimming bus service amid driver shortage

Boston City Council green lights Wu's plan for 3 free bus routes

City councilors ask Wu administration for long-term plan for fare-free buses plan

Buoyed by early results, Boston and Worcester push to extend free public transit