Orange Line Shutdown: MBTA Reveals Shuttle Bus Plan

JAMAICA PLAIN, MA — The MBTA on Friday revealed the shuttle bus routes that will transport Orange Line riders during a month-long shut-down of the subway line for emergency repairs.

The MBTA Friday afternoon released The Rider's Guide to Planning Ahead as a tool to provide riders with alternative travel options and information during the shutdown. The guide shows shuttle buses replacing all Orange Line trains, except in downtown Boston where Red Line, Silver Line and Green Line trains are available.

The guide also includes advice on how to use commuter rail, MBTA buses and rental bikes as alternative ways of traveling along the Orange Line corridor.

Gov. Charlie Baker on Aug. 3 announced the impending shut-down, saying the Orange Line was "overdue critical maintenance." During the closure, the MBTA Will replace train tracks, which will eliminate speed restrictions near the Back Bay, Tufts, Haymarket and Jackson Square stations.

Without the month-long closure, the work would take up to five years to finish, MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said.

The Orange Line closure will also coincide with a Green Line shutdown spanning the new Union Square station in Somerville to Government Center. That will last from Aug. 22 to Sept. 19, with shuttle buses replacing trains.

The Rider's Guide will include diversion information throughout each of the 20 Orange Line stations that depict alternative travel options for riders that need to traverse the transit system during the closure.

Orange Line alternatives

One free alternative to shuttle buses is riding a bike. On Thursday, a group of about 50 cyclists tested Orange Line alternatives between Roslindale and City Hall.

A map of bike routes in Boston shows a shared-use path running along the Southwest Corridor from the Arborway to near Copley Square. There are also bike lanes traveling south through Charlestown along Main Street.

During the shutdown, there will also be a transit hack for commuters. Trips on commuter rail trains in zones 1A, 1 and 2 will only require riders to show possession of either a CharlieTicket or CharlieCard, but the cards won't be charged, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said in a recent tweet.

"The CharlieCards won't be charged and don't even need to be loaded with funds. You just have to show it," Wu said.

Zones 1A, 1 and 2 include trips that follow the Orange Line route. Riders could board a train as far north as the Reading station and ride for free to North Station. You could also ride from the Dedham Corporate Center all the way to South Station for free, passing by stops including Forest Hills and Back Bay.

During the Orange Line closure, the T will offer free shuttle buses between Oak Grove and Haymarket/Government Center and between Forest Hills and Back Bay/Copley.