Alternative Service Options During Speed Restrictions
Updated on September 1, 2023
The last day riders can "show a CharlieCard" to board Commuter Rail will be August 31, 2023. Normal fares will resume throughout the MBTA system on September 1, 2023.
On March 12, 2023, we advised riders to plan for additional travel time on the Red, Orange, Blue, Green, and Mattapan Lines while speed restrictions continue. We also allowed riders who wanted a quicker commute to show their CharlieCard to board the Commuter Rail at the lines listed below. The last day riders could board the Commuter Rail with their CharlieCard was August 31, 2023.
These speed restrictions, sometimes referred to as slow zones, are a safety precaution put in place as a result of findings from a Department of Public Utilities site visit the week of March 6, 2023. We are working to lift speed restrictions line by line. We expect this work to continue throughout the coming months.
Alternative Service Options for Riders
View alternative service options for each line below. We allowed riders to use any type of CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to board each of these options between March 12, 2023, and August 31, 2023.
Learn more about riding the Commuter Rail
The East Boston Ferry may be an option for Blue Line riders during these speed restrictions. We allowed riders to show any type of CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to board.
The Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail line may be on option for Green Line riders during these speed restrictions. We allowed riders to show any type of CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to board at any of the stations below.
Auburndale
Back Bay
Boston Landing
Landsdowne
Newtonville
South Station
West Newton
The Commuter Rail may be the best option for many Orange Line riders during these speed restrictions. We allowed riders to show any type of CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to board at any of the stations below.
Back Bay
From Back Bay, you can use the following Commuter Rail lines:
Forest Hills
From Forest Hills, you can use the following Commuter Rail lines:
Malden Center
From Malden Center, you can use the Haverhill Commuter Rail line.
North Station
From North Station, you can use the Haverhill Commuter Rail line.
Oak Grove
From Oak Grove, you can use the Haverhill Commuter Rail line.
Ruggles
From Ruggles, you can use the following Commuter Rail lines:
The Commuter Rail may be the best option for many Red Line riders during these speed restrictions. We allowed riders to show any type of CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to board at any of the stations below.
Braintree
From Braintree, you can use the following Commuter Rail lines:
JFK/UMass
From JFK/UMass, you can use the following Commuter Rail lines:
Porter Square
From Porter Square, you can use the Fitchburg Commuter Rail line.
Quincy Center
From Quincy Center, you can use the following Commuter Rail lines:
South Station
From South Station, you can use the following Commuter Rail lines:
The Alternative Service Rider’s Guide explains Commuter Rail and Ferry options available to riders.
For Assistance Using Alternative Service
Phone
- Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM - 8 PM
- Saturday - Sunday: 8 AM - 4 PM
Main Hotline: 617-222-3200
Toll Free: 800-392-6100
TTY: 617-222-5146
Online
Speed Restrictions Dashboard
Learn about how we're tracking speed restriction information
For Assistance Using Alternative Service
Phone
- Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM - 8 PM
- Saturday - Sunday: 8 AM - 4 PM
Main Hotline: 617-222-3200
Toll Free: 800-392-6100
TTY: 617-222-5146
Online
Speed Restrictions Dashboard
Learn about how we're tracking speed restriction information