REMINDER: Shuttle Buses Replace Orange Line from Jackson Square to North Station on March 18-21 for Critical Track Work

Updated March 15, 2024

This notice serves as a reminder of the upcoming Orange Line closure previously announced on February 23.

This service change is in place while crews perform work as part of the Track Improvement Program, which will improve reliability and provide a safer ride.

Following up on the previous announcement from February 23, the MBTA is today reminding riders that Orange Line service between Jackson Square and North Station will be suspended all day from start to end of service for four days from March 18-21. 

As previously announced, this service change is in place to allow crews to perform critical work to upgrade infrastructure as part of the Track Improvement Program, which will improve reliability and provide a safer ride.

Information is available at mbta.com/alerts. Riders can also learn more at mbta.com/TrackProgram. Travel alternatives during this service change are below: 

• Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between Jackson Square and Back Bay for riders to connect to the Commuter Rail toward South Station. Shuttle buses will also stop at Copley Station on the Green Line for continued service to the downtown area and North Station.
   
• One accessible van will be stationed at Tufts Medical Center station and will operate between Back Bay, Copley, Tufts Medical Center, Chinatown, Park Street, and Arlington to assist riders in making the challenging Orange-to-Green-Line connection.

• There will be free fares at Jackson Square station with the fare gates open. There will also be free fares at Copley inbound/eastbound on the Green Line with the fare gates open.
   
• The Commuter Rail will be fare-free between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, and South Station. Riders should note that regular fares should be purchased beyond Forest Hills.

The important work accomplished during this Orange Line service suspension means riders will experience a more reliable trip with fewer unplanned service disruptions related to older tracks, older infrastructure, signal issues, or power problems. Riders will also be provided with a safer ride as a result of this state of good repair work. 

The MBTA understands how these service changes affect riders’ daily travels during this period, but we are committed to improving your travels long term with more reliable, timely, and safe service. We thank riders for their patience as we deliver this important work and for continuing to ride our system.

More information is also available through in-station signage and public announcements. Transit Ambassadors and MBTA staff will be available on-site to offer information and assistance during these service changes. Riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-Alerts or to follow the MBTA on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA for up-to-date service information.

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