Shuttle Buses to Replace Service on Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line April 1 – 9, Ashmont Branch Shuttle Train Taking Place April 10 – 30

These service changes are taking place to perform critical track renewal work on the Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line.

The MBTA today reminded riders that Red Line Ashmont Branch service between JFK/UMass and Ashmont will be replaced with free and accessible shuttle bus service for nine days from April 1 – 9. The MBTA also announced that Mattapan Line service will also be replaced with free and accessible shuttle bus service during the same time period April 1 – 9. Immediately afterward, the Ashmont Branch will adjust shuttle train service with reduced frequency on the Branch between JFK/UMass and Ashmont for 21 days April 10 – 30. 

Red Line Service April 1 – 30

• Red Line trains will operate between Alewife and Braintree. Trains will operate every seven-to-eight minutes all day for the duration of the month. Riders should transfer between the Red Line and shuttle buses (April 1 – 9) and Ashmont shuttle trains (April 10 – 30) at JFK/UMass.

Shuttle Bus Service April 1 – 9

• Free and accessible shuttle buses will make stops at all Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line stations. 
   
• Riders are also encouraged to utilize the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line during this service change. 
   
• Weekday shuttle bus frequencies are as follows:
   
  • Shuttle buses operating between JFK/UMass and Ashmont will operate every three-to-five minutes all day.
     
  • Shuttle buses operating between Ashmont and Mattapan will operate every five-to-six minutes all day.
     
  • Riders will need to transfer between the JFK/UMass – Ashmont and Ashmont – Mattapan shuttle bus services at Ashmont.
     
• Weekend shuttle bus frequencies are as follows:
   
  • Shuttle buses operating between JFK/UMass and Mattapan via Ashmont will operate every 8 – 12 minutes all day with some shuttle buses terminating at Ashmont. 
     
• Riders using shuttle buses during these service changes should budget ample extra travel time. 
  • For example, a rider travelling to Park Street from Mattapan should budget at least an additional 45 – 60 minutes of travel time in addition to their regular commute. 
     
• Bus Route 18 will be detoured during this time period. Riders are encouraged to see T-Alerts for full detour information.
   
• This service change is in place for crews to perform critical track renewal work on the Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line. The MBTA will maximize the service outage by performing additional work, including walkway safety replacements at Geneva Avenue, Dorchester Avenue, and Adams Street, track and power upgrades at Codman Yard, stairway improvements at JFK/UMass and Fields Corner, power switch box replacements, inspections at the Dorchester Greenway, duct bank replacements at Freeport Street, and a variety of station enhancement work.

Accessible Van Service April 1 – 9

• An accessible van will be available for the duration of the service change, serving all Red Line stations between JFK/UMass and Ashmont only. Riders should see station personnel or use the call box to request the accessible van.

Shuttle Train Operations April 10 – 30

• All Red Line train service between Ashmont and JFK/UMass will operate with shuttle trains for 21 days. 
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  • A shuttle train operates back and forth on a single track. Shuttle trains will operate on both tracks – riders are encouraged to follow directions via signage and station personnel. 
     
• Riders will experience longer wait times during this service change and should allow extra travel time. 
   
• JFK/UMass – Ashmont shuttle trains will terminate at JFK/UMass. Riders will need to transfer between the JFK/UMass – Ashmont shuttle train and other Red Line service at JFK/UMass for service toward Alewife or Braintree.
   
• Riders should note that shuttle buses will not be offered as an alternative during this service change (because shuttle trains will be operating).
   
• This service change is in place to perform critical special track work near Ashmont. 

Riders can find more information on service changes through in-station signage, in-station public announcements, and at mbta.com/alerts. 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, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information. 

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.

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