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REMINDER: Final Track Improvement Program Service Suspension: Green Line Service Suspended Between Park Street and Union Square / Medford/Tufts December 6 – 20

Posted on December 2, 2024

When this service suspension is complete, the entire subway system will be free of slow zones.
 
This notice serves as a reminder of the upcoming Green Line closure previously announced on November 15.


Following up on the previous announcement on November 15, the MBTA is today reminding riders that Green Line service will be suspended between Park Street and Union Square as well as Medford/Tufts for 15 days December 6 – 20. This is the final service suspension as part of the MBTA’s Track Improvement Program, which has replaced thousands of feet track and ties to eliminate speed restrictions. Following this Green Line service outage, the entire subway system will be free of slow zones. 
 
Riders can find complete information at mbta.com/GreenLine. More information on these service changes and alternate travel options is below: 

Shuttle graphic for the December Green Line disruption

 

  • Free and accessible shuttle bus service will replace trains between North Station and Medford/Tufts. 
     
  • Riders should note that there will be no shuttle bus service between North Station and Park Street. Riders should instead utilize the Orange Line for parallel service through North Station and Park Street. 
     
  • Riders are also reminded that Orange Line / Green Line connections can also be made via the Winter Street Concourse, which connects Park Street and Downtown Crossing Stations. 
     
  • Riders should note there will be no shuttle bus service to Union Square. Green Line Union Square Branch riders can instead use area bus routes, including the 86, 91, and CT2 between Union Square and East Somerville Station on the Medford Branch. These bus routes also travel to Sullivan Square on the Orange Line. In addition, Route 87 travels between Union Square and Lechmere. 
     
    • Riders are reminded that Route 86 service will shorten to end at Harvard Square beginning on December 15 as part of Phase 1 of Bus Network Redesign. Beginning on December 15, riders can use the new Route 109, which will run every 15 minutes or better all day from Sullivan Square through Union Square to Harvard Square. 
       
    • Riders using shuttle buses during these service changes should budget ample extra travel time. For example, a rider travelling to Park Street from Medford/Tufts should budget at least an additional 35 minutes of travel time in addition to their regular commute. 
       
    • Union Square riders are strongly encouraged to use local buses to Sullivan Square or Central Square for a faster travel time to downtown Boston. 

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 @MBTA for up-to-date service information. 
 
In the future, speed restrictions may be needed from time to time if warranted by a changing track condition – this is normal and common across all passenger rail service providers. As a result of the successful Track Improvement Program that has taken place over the last year, the MBTA is now well-positioned to quickly respond to any track issues that may arise.  If and when new restrictions are required, they will be addressed promptly to continue to provide riders with the safe and reliable service they deserve.
 
Riders are also encouraged to connect with MBTA staff at the following upcoming Track Improvement Program pop-up event:   

  • Tuesday, December 3  
    • Station Pop-Up  
    • Medford/Tufts  
    • 4 PM – 6 PM  

More Information

Media Contact Information

For all queries and comments, please contact:

MBTA Press Office