MBTA Hands Out Free Dunkin' Gift Cards To Thank Orange Line Riders

MEDFORD, MA — The MBTA is handing out free Dunkin’ gift cards Monday to celebrate the end of the Orange Line shutdown and thank riders for their patience over the last 30 days.

Transit officials did not specify where the gift cards are being handed out, but several Tweets suggest that riders may be able to find them at Back Bay and Downtown Crossing.

"Welcome back Orange Line riders!” the MBTA said in a Tweet. "As a small thank you for our riders' patience during the 30-day diversion, we're handing out @dunkindonuts $5 gift cards at select Orange Line stations."

"To our Orange Line riders, thank you for your support as we worked toward #BuildingABetterT.”

The MBTA initiated the 30-day full-closure of the Orange Line on August 19 to complete five years of improvements in 30 days while addressing safety actions identified by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

“A tremendous amount of choreography, coordination, and hard work has been accomplished during these 30 days, including over a dozen projects to replace rail, track, signals, rail fasteners, and more that would have taken the T five years of nights and weekends to accomplish,” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said in a statement.

During the closure, the MBTA eliminated six slow zones along the Orange Line, creating faster and more reliable commutes, and added 72 new Orange Line cars. Slow zones will remain in place for five to seven more days to allow the track to settle.

Green Line Extension service between Union Square and Government Center stations also resumed Monday. The MBTA suspended service last month to facilitate the opening of the Medford Branch of the Green Line Extension this November 2022 and to allow for continued work at the Government Center Garage project.

With the reopening of the Orange and Green Lines, the CharlieCard Store at Downtown Crossing will increase its business hours to better serve riders.

On Mondays, the CharlieCard Store will be open by appointment, and Tuesday through Friday it will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For updates on MBTA improvements and closures, visit mbta.com/BBT2022 or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, or Instagram @theMBTA.