Wollaston FAQs
Updated on January 24, 2018
Find out how the Wollaston Station closure will affect your trip
Why does Wollaston Station need to close?
What are my travel options while the station is closed?
What route will the bus shuttles take?
Will there be bus shelters at the temporary shuttle stops?
Are the bus shuttles ADA accessible?
Can large items like strollers, bikes, and luggage be brought on the bus shuttles?
Will local bus routes that service the Wollaston neighborhood be increasing service?
Can I get updates for when the shuttles will arrive?
Will there be enough room on the buses?
What if shuttles are already full by the time they get to Wollaston Library or Newport Avenue bus stops?
Will the North Quincy Station development construction affect my commute?
Why are improvements like the new Wollaston Station and North Quincy development happening at the same time?
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Why does Wollaston Station need to close?
Wollaston Station is currently the only station on the Red Line that is not accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, it no longer meets safety, flooding, or operational standards. The existing station can’t be repaired. Instead, it will be demolished and replaced over 20 months, from January 8, 2018 to summer 2019. Closing the station reduces service disruptions, construction timeline, and costs, and it’s safer for the riding public. Learn more about Wollaston Station Improvements.
What are my travel options while the station is closed?
Free bus shuttle service between North Quincy, Wollaston, and Quincy Center stations on the Red Line is being provided by a private coach company.
In addition to the shuttle, you may want to consider these alternatives:
- Take the Commuter Rail from Quincy Center Station to South Station. During the Wollaston closure, the fare to ride the Commuter Rail between Quincy Center Station and South Station will be the same as a subway fare. Monthly subway passes will also be accepted. Show your Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket when boarding.
- Take local MBTA bus route 210, 211, 212, or 217. The 210, 211, and 212 run different routes between Quincy Center and North Quincy stations. The 217 runs from Quincy Center to Ashmont through North Quincy.
What route will the bus shuttles take?
The bus shuttles will follow a figure 8 loop from North Quincy to Quincy Center stations, stopping in 4 locations near Wollaston Station to pick up passengers.
From the North Quincy Station northern busway, shuttles will turn right on Hancock Street. The first stop is on Hancock Street just before Woodbine Street, in front of Supreme Liquors. They will then turn right onto Beale Street and stop in front of the Wollaston branch of the Thomas Crane Public Library. From the library, shuttles will turn left and stop at the existing MBTA bus stop at 357 Newport Avenue. Shuttles will then continue on Newport Avenue, turn left on Adams Street, and take a right on Hancock Street. To serve Quincy Center Station, they will use a new, temporary stop in front of the United First Parish Church on Hancock Street.
To head back to Wollaston and North Quincy stations, shuttles will turn right to continue on Hancock Street, right onto Granite Street, right onto Burgin Parkway, right onto Dimmock Street, and left back onto Hancock Street. They will continue on Hancock Street to Beale Street, where they will turn left and stop again at the Wollaston branch of the Thomas Crane Public Library. From there, shuttles will continue on Beale and take a right onto Newport Avenue towards North Quincy Station. The shuttles will service a new stop on Newport Avenue opposite Brook Street, next to the Wollaston Station work zone. Then, they will continue on Newport Avenue before turning right onto West Squantum Street, left on Hancock Street, and finally left into the North Quincy Station northern busway.
Will there be bus shelters at the temporary shuttle stops?
Shelters have been installed at 3 of the shuttle stops: in front of the Wollaston Branch Library on Beale Street, on Newport Avenue opposite Brook Street, and on Hancock Street in Quincy Center.
Are the bus shuttles ADA accessible?
Yes.
Can large items like strollers, bikes, and luggage be brought on the bus shuttles?
The bus shuttles are passenger coaches, so strollers, bikes, and luggage can be stored in the luggage compartment under the cabin.
Will local bus routes that service the Wollaston neighborhood be increasing service?
We expect that existing service can accommodate customers diverted by the construction. However, we regularly review bus schedules and will make adjustments if needed.
Can I get updates for when the shuttles will arrive?
We are working with the bus shuttle provider to integrate their tracking capabilities into our systems.
You can also view the shuttles' current locations on our interactive map.
Will there be enough room on the buses?
The MBTA conducted trial runs of the route in advance of the shuttle start date during both morning and evening rush hours. During peak periods, up to 20 coach buses will run on the Wollaston route. The buses hold up to 54 seated passengers and can accommodate up to 70 with people standing in the aisle.
What if shuttles are already full by the time they get to Wollaston Library or Newport Avenue bus stops?
MBTA staff will monitor shuttle service in real time. Dispatchers will deploy buses where they’re needed. Currently, we plan to have at least 2 buses in close proximity to each bus stop to safely and quickly load passengers. The second bus will be deployed when the earlier bus departs. During rush hour, buses can be deployed to begin at any stop to accommodate demand.
Will the North Quincy Station development construction affect my commute?
The upcoming construction at North Quincy Station is in the parking lot and will not affect Red Line service.
Why are improvements like the new Wollaston Station and North Quincy development happening at the same time?
The MBTA is making a major investment to improve Red Line service, reliability, and customer experience. This includes track, signal, and station improvements to accommodate a new fleet of Red Line cars in 2020. Additionally, garages in Quincy and Braintree will be repaired. These and other projects will all contribute to a better Red Line experience in the next few years.
Related Projects
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.