MBTA Reducing Service in Effort to Curb Spread of Coronavirus

Print

Charlie Breitrose

An MBTA bus in Watertown.

An MBTA bus in Watertown.

The MBTA announced Monday that beginning March 17, service will be cut back in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, also called the Coronavirus.

Most buses and trains will be running on a Saturday schedule, and the 504 express bus from Watertown Yard will also be impacted (click here to see the schedule). The T will also be cleaning vehicles and stations, according to the announcement.

The MBTA released the following announcement:

Reduced Service for March 17, 2020

Updated Monday, March 16, 2020, 2:49 PM

At the start of service on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, trains and buses will run with reduced service to support efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition, we have increased cleaning and sanitation at stations and on vehicles.

Service changes will help riders and employees avoid large crowds and allow for social distancing. These decisions are based on guidance from public health professionals and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

Planned Service Levels

  Bus and Silver Line

 Saturday service for most routes.

 Routes 7501, and 504 will run modified weekday service.

 Routes 325326351352, and 354 will run regular weekday service.

 Subway

 Saturday service on all lines.

 Commuter Rail

 Reduced service on all lines.

 Ferry

 No service. Use trip planner to find an alternate route.

 The RIDE

 There are no planned service changes. To cancel or reschedule your trip, call The Ride Access Center (TRAC).

Stay Informed

This page will be regularly updated with service information. You can also get up-to-date notices from:

Protecting Your Health

What We’re Doing

We are continuing to take necessary steps to protect the health and safety of riders and MBTA employees with increased cleaning and sanitation at stations and on vehicles.

This includes:

  • Cleaning and disinfecting vehicles: All MBTA fleet vehicles (buses, trolleys, subway cars, Commuter Rail coaches, ferries, and RIDE vehicles) are being disinfected on a daily basis.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting MBTA property: All business locations, including the RIDE Eligibility Center and CharlieCard store, are being disinfected every 24 hours. All high-contact areas at subway stations (handrails, fare gates, and fare vending machines) are being cleaned every 4 hours.
  • More sanitation equipment: Hand sanitizing dispensers, disinfectant wipes, and cleaning sprays will be deployed at MBTA facilities and stations throughout the system.

What You Can Do

We encourage all riders to:

  • Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Stay home if sick
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Clean areas that are frequently touched with sanitizing spray or wipes

3 thoughts on “MBTA Reducing Service in Effort to Curb Spread of Coronavirus

      • John, you don’t know what the ridership numbers are. They do. This is likely the right course of action. If they didn’t reduce service, you would be screaming about wasting taxpayer money. I suspect that even with the service cuts there will be plenty of room on our buses to stake out your territory.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *