T-Alerts FAQ

General Questions

What is T-Alerts?
T-Alerts is a voluntary subscription service that allows subscribers to receive electronic notifications of significant train delays (estimated 15 minutes or greater) and service changes for selected MBTA lines.

How much does T-Alerts cost?
T-Alerts is a free service offered by MBTA. Depending on your Internet service provider or cellular phone plan, additional per-message charges may be assessed by your carrier. Please call your carrier to inquire about any charges they might impose BEFORE subscribing.

What type of devices will T-Alerts send messages to?
T-Alerts can send messages to any device that has an e-mail address and/or cellular number. This includes desk-top computers, pagers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or other such devices.

Is there a limitation on the length of a text message?
Yes, text message capabilities are limited to the first 160 characters due to storage limitations on cellular phones. For this reason, T-Alert messages are generally kept short. 

How many MBTA lines/routes can I subscribe to?
You can subscribe up to any three lines/routes the MBTA operates. T-Alerts for elevator and escalators on any of those three line/routes can also be added.

Can I have T-Alerts go to more than one e-mail address or mobile device?
Yes. When you subscribe, you can provide up to two e-mail addresses (or cellular phone numbers for text messages). If you need to list more than two e-mail addresses, you will need set up an additional subscription.

Will my mobile provider charge me to receive T-Alerts?
This depends on your service provider and plan. We strongly encourage you to check with your provider to determine if there are additional charges BEFORE you subscribe to this service.

Can I receive SMS messages instead of e-mail messages?
If your cellular phone, PDA, or pager is capable of receiving text messages, the providers automatically convert e-mail to text messages. To receive T-Alerts as SMS messages on your cellular phone, PDA, or pager, refer to your provider for actual instructions. Use your SMS message e-mail address provided by your carrier to sign-up for T-Alerts. Examples of  addresses for various providers are:

Cingular: your 10 digitnumber@cingularme.com

Verizon: your 10 digitnumber@vtext.com

AT&T: your 10 digitnumber@mmode.com (previously your10digitnumber@mobile.att.net)

Nextel: your 10 digitnumber@messaging.nextel.com

T-Mobile: your 10 digitnumber@tmomail.net

Sprint: your 10 digitnumber@messaging.sprintpcs.com

SkyTel: your pager PIN or Personal Access Number @skytel.com

Arch Wireless: Your pager PIN @archwireless.net

Please check with your provider to obtain the most recent access method and that your cellular phone or PDA is authorized to receive text or email messages.

I am not receiving the T-Alerts.
Ensure that you signed up with a valid e-mail address(es) and replied to the confirmation e-mail. If you did not receive the confirmation e-mail or did not reply to it, you will not receive T-Alerts. Ensure that the T-Alerts are not being blocked by your SPAM filter. Add the e-mail address talerts@talerts.mbta.com to your allow list or list of authorized senders.

My T-Alerts are being blocked by my SPAM filter.
Add the e-mail address talerts@talerts.mbta.com to your allow list or list of authorized senders.

Subscription Questions

How do I subscribe to T-Alerts?
Use the Subscribe page and complete the necessary fields.

I subscribed, but I entered the wrong e-mail address. What should I do now?
Re-subscribe with the correct e-mail address. The incorrect e-mail address will automatically be deleted from the system.

I subscribed, but I want to change the MBTA lines, days, or times. What should I do now?
Use the Manage Account page to make changes.

When I subscribed, I was advised that I would receive a confirmation e-mail, which I did not receive. What should I do now?
Use the Manage Account page and select "resend confirmation e-mail". Make sure that your SPAM filter is not blocking e-mail from talerts@talerts.mbta.com. If you still did not receive the confirmation e-mail, please contact support@talerts.mbta.com.

I received the confirmation e-mail on my pager or cellular phone, and I can not reply to confirm the subscription. What should I do now?
Use the Manage Account page and select "Authorize Account". You will need your e-mail address and authorization ID number (AUTH ID) provided in the confirmation e-mail. If you do not have the confirmation number, please contact support@talerts.mbta.com.

Is there another way to confirm my subscription to T-Alerts?
Use the Manage Account page and select "Authorize Account". You will need your e-mail address and authorization ID number (AUTH ID) provided in the confirmation e-mail. If you do not have the confirmation number, please contact support@talerts.mbta.com.

My e-mail address has changed. What can I do to continue to receive T-Alerts?
Unsubscribe using your old e-mail address and re-subscribe using your new e-mail address.

I need help subscribing to T-Alerts.
Contact support@talerts.mbta.com. Please have available your e-mail address and any error messages you are receiving.

How do I unsubscribe from T-Alerts?
Use the Unsubscribe page. You will receive a confirmation e-mail if the process was successful.

How do I manage my T-Alerts account?
Use the Manage Account page.