May Service Changes: MBTA Continues Work to Improve Reliability Across the System – including the Red Line

Service changes are planned on the Red, Green, Orange, Kingston, Greenbush, Middleborough/Lakeville, Fairmount, Newburyport/Rockport, and Haverhill lines.

BOSTON – The MBTA today announced service changes in May on the Red, Green, Orange, Kingston, Greenbush, Middleborough/Lakeville, Fairmount, Newburyport/Rockport, and Haverhill lines. The MBTA will continue working to maintain its infrastructure and improve reliability across the system.

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 (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information.

On the Red Line:

• As previously announced, Red Line train service will be suspended daily between Park Street and JFK/UMass stations from May 1-9. In addition to that, from May 1-9, evening Red Line trains will not operate between Park Street and Ashmont stations from approximately 8:30 PM through the end of service every day. Shuttle buses will instead operate to accommodate riders.

• Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between these stations. A page with dedicated information for riders is available at mbta.com/RedLine.

• There will be free fares at Park Street and JFK/UMass stations with the fare gates open.

• The Commuter Rail will be fare free between Braintree, Quincy Center, JFK/UMass, and South Station. Regular fares should be purchased beyond Braintree.

• This service change is in place as part of the MBTA’s Track Improvement Program. The Track Improvement Program will replace tracks and ties to alleviate speed restrictions along the line while crews maximize the outage by performing signal work and station amenity upgrades, including new lighting, painting, tiling, power washing, and more.

• Red Line service will be suspended between Broadway and Braintree stations on the Braintree Branch during the weekends of May 11-12 and May 18-19.

• Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between Broadway and Braintree.
• Riders are encouraged to use Commuter Rail express shuttle bus service from Braintree if possible. Express shuttle buses will operate directly between South Station and Braintree.

• Riders should note that regular Red Line train service will operate on the Ashmont Branch between JFK/UMass and Ashmont.

• This service change is in place to allow crews to perform necessary work as part of the Dorchester Avenue Bridge Replacement Project and the Track Improvement Program. Originally built in 1925 and last rehabilitated in 1975, the Dorchester Avenue Bridge will be replaced to protect its structural integrity and ensure reliable service. When complete, this project will result in safer, more reliable Red Line service. The Track Improvement Program will replace tracks and ties to alleviate speed restrictions along the line while crews maximize the outage by performing signal work and station amenity upgrades, including new lighting, painting, tiling, power washing, and more.

For more spring changes to Green, Orange, Commuter Rail etc – visit here!