Right of Way (ROW) Training
The MBTA Right of Way (ROW) is the property over which trains and authorized rail equipment operate, and ten feet from the centerline of track in any direction. The ROW includes sidings and yards, where trains and construction equipment are stored. It does not include carhouses, where trains are maintained.
Anyone who needs to access the ROW is required to take training comprised of an online pre-requisite course and an 8-hour in-person class, divided into a classroom lecture and a practical component, in order to receive a ROW Certification Card with a RAC sticker. This includes all employees, contractors, and anyone else who is requesting access.
Successful completion of this course will serve as proof of completion of ROW training. It is also an acknowledgement of the responsibility to work safely around the many hazards that exist on the ROW.
ROW certification serves as the initial step to gaining access to the MBTA ROW. There are additional steps needed before being granted access to Heavy Rail, Light Rail and Bus Safety Flagging. Having the certification serves as the initial step in this process. This course does not pertain to Commuter Rail.
Note: If you have a current ROW Certification Card received before June 15, 2023, you need to complete a newly required training known as the ROW Addendum.
Sign Up for Training
ROW training is free. Complete the registration form and email it to MBTAROW@mbta.com. A confirmation email will be sent with your training date and location.
External contractors can request training via email with the following information for each trainee:
- Full names
- Companies
- Email addresses
- Start dates
- Contract numbers
- MBTA points of contact
Requests must be approved by the MBTA Training Department prior to attendance. Walk-ins are not permitted. You must fulfill all the course requirements to receive a ROW card.
Training Procedure
Online: Prior to attending the in-person section of training, you must complete the online pre-requisite course. Instructions on accessing the online course will be sent to you in response to your email signing up for training.
In-Person: After completing the online pre-requisite course, you will be provided with a link to schedule your in-person training. This section is an 8-hour in-person class offered 3 days a week (except for national holidays):
- Mondays, 7 AM – 3 PM
- Wednesdays, 7 AM – 3 PM
- Fridays, 7 AM – 3 PM
The in-person training consists of two sections: first, a classroom session, and then a practical component accessing the Right of Way.
The assigned training location will be provided in the confirmation email you will receive after registering.
There will be limited training offerings in Spanish in the future. Email MBTAROW@mbta.com to find out more.
Training Course Requirements
ROW Training attendees must:
- Bring a valid photo ID to class
- Pass a written exam
- Participate in all class assignments, activities, and acknowledgements
- Be prompt for all classes. Attendees can and will be turned away for tardiness.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
All participants must have required PPE to attend in-person training:
- Hard hat
- Safety glasses
- Work boots
- Upper body safety reflective garment
- Lower body safety garment
- Regulation flashlight and whistle
MBTA employees: Employees are eligible for safety footwear at no cost. Ask your supervisor how to obtain MBTA-approved PPE.
External contractors: Use this link to purchase approved footwear from Saf-Gard at discounted prices. Allow up to 3 business days for boots to be delivered.
ROW Addendum Compliance
If you have a current ROW Certification Card received prior to June 15, 2023, you need to complete a newly required training known as the ROW Addendum. The ROW Addendum Compliance (RAC) component consists of a 2-hour online course and a 90-minute in-person training.
Contact RACsupport@mbta.com to sign up for RAC training.
A RAC sticker will be added to your Certification Card to indicate you have successfully completed the ROW Addendum training portion.
Applying for ROW Recertification
A ROW Certification Card permits work on the ROW for two years. You must apply for online ROW recertification after the two-year period.
To request access to the online, 4-hour recertification course, email MBTAROW@mbta.com.
Once your ROW Certification Card expires, you are no longer eligible to access to MBTA ROW. You must request access to the ROW Recertification online course. Upon completion of the course, you must pick up your newly issued ROW Certification Card before you are eligible to access the ROW.
If your ROW Certification Card has been expired for more than 12 months, you will need to register and retake the full ROW training.
To pick up your recertification ROW card, visit the Transportation Training Department between 7 AM – 3 PM at 275 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA 02127.
If you have lost your ROW certification card, contact MBTAROW@mbta.com for a replacement.
Contact Information
For questions or comments, you can email MBTAROW@mbta.com or call the Subway Training Department at (617) 222-5377, ext. 3410
