~Photo by Bobbie Toner

Please note an important update below to RIDE service for tomorrow.

Following the winter storm currently underway, the MBTA is announcing that the extreme snowfall totals, related impacts, and massive cleanup effort to come tomorrow will result in a number of service changes on Tuesday, February 24. With 16 inches of snow accumulation in Boston so far and as much as 30 inches in some parts of the MBTA’s service area, today’s historic storm is already drawing comparisons to the Blizzard of 1978. Time is needed for clearing and cleanup, and the MBTA will focus tomorrow on snow removal efforts while providing reduced transit service for those who need it.

Riders who need to travel tomorrow should be safe, budget extra travel time, anticipate longer wait times between trains and buses, many of which will continue to operate on their Snow Routes, and to be patient while cleanup efforts continue. Crews will be working hard to clear snow and ice throughout the transit system tomorrow, and the public is reminded to use caution on platforms, at bus stops, when boarding/alighting trains, accessing stations, and approaching railroad crossings.

MBTA riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-Alerts, download the MBTA Go app, and follow the MBTA on X @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information. Check the MBTA’s Winter Weather Guide at www.MBTA.com/Winter for tips on how to stay connected and what to expect on the T during extreme winter weather. Riders may also find helpful information on how to report bus stops in need of snow removal here. The MBTA Customer Experience Call Center is open Monday thru Friday: 6:30 AM – 8 PM. The main line is: 617-222-3200 (711 for TTY callers; VRS for ASL callers).

Subway: 

Red, Orange, Blue, and Green Line trains will operate at reduced levels (similar to Sunday schedules).

The Mattapan Line will likely resume train service at the start of service tomorrow morning. Please see T-Alerts for the most current service information.

 Bus:  

All bus routes will operate at reduced levels (similar to Sunday schedules).

Bus routes will continue to operate on their Snow Routes. Please see T-Alerts for the most updated information.

Commuter Rail:  

All Commuter Rail lines will operate on their reduced Storm Schedules. PDF Storm Schedules can be found on each individual Commuter Rail line webpage.

 Ferry: 

Modified weekday ferry service will likely resume at the start of service tomorrow. Please see T-Alerts for the most updated information.

The RIDE: 

The RIDE paratransit service is cancelled tomorrow. All trips scheduled for Tuesday are cancelled. Trips may be rebooked only if they are life-sustaining medical needs. If a customer’s trip is life-sustaining, they must contact the Ride Access Center today, Monday, February 23, before 5 PM to rebook at 844-427-7433.

 Storm Mitigation Efforts:  

The MBTA continues to implement its winter-weather mitigation measures, which include operating non-passenger trains to keep the tracks clear and to look for any trees or branches that pose a threat.

• Cycling train sets in and out of rail yards so they are not sitting idle for extended periods of time.

• For trains that are not running throughout the system, MBTA teams will be opening and closing doors as well as testing brakes and propulsion systems for any moisture buildup and freezing.

• Signals and track crews will be inspecting all rights-of-ways to ensure that heaters for track switches and third rail are performing as designed.

• MBTA emergency crews are on standby throughout the storm to respond to rail issues, issues affecting power systems, potential switch problems, and any flooding issues that may occur.

• Power crews will be on hand to inspect overhead wires on the Blue and Green lines for ice buildup on catenary wires. Crews will use ice cutters, installed on vehicles, to safely remove ice from impacting power lines.

• Increased staffing will be on-site throughout the duration of the weather event to respond to weather-related issues, and rail-borne snow-fighting equipment will be pre-deployed at key locations around the rapid transit network.

• The T also has contractors at the ready for snow clearing along key bus routes and T facility/employee parking, freeing up T personnel to concentrate on core system functions.

• Generators are deployed at key locations to mitigate the risk of potential power outages.

• Regarding the Commuter Rail, the MBTA and Keolis have more than 1,000 pieces of snow fighting equipment, including snow blowers, salt trucks, plows, and other equipment, that are deployed across the Commuter Rail network ahead of storms.

• To mitigate risk impacts to rail infrastructure from snow and ice, Keolis also deploys specialized equipment across the network such as snow jets and switch heaters that help keep rail switches clear of ice and snow and properly functioning.

• Ahead of the storm these switch heaters will be activated to ensure normal flow of train traffic.

• During the storm, Keolis personnel clear snow, apply sand and salt to passenger areas and MBTA parking lots managed by Keolis, and responds to any incidents, such as downed trees.

For more information, visit MBTA.com/Alerts or connect with the T on X @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, Threads @thembta, or TikTok @thembta.

-MBTA