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Guide To WinterTime Travel On The T

Posted on December 18, 2008

MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas today announced the transit agency’s wintertime travel guide complete with information on how the T prepares for winter storms, and how customers can get the most of public transportation.

Snow On The Way
At the first indication that snow is on the way, the MBTA has in place a plan that works around the clock to keep the system moving:

• Trains operate 24 hours a day to prevent rails and overhead electrical wires from icing up.  Special heaters are activated to keep rails and switches ice-free.

• Trains stored outdoors are moved periodically; mechanical systems are kept running; and doors and cab windows are frequently opened and shut to prevent freezing.

• MBTA Personnel and On-call contractors ensure all MBTA properties are plowed, sanded, salted or shoveled.  The MBTA is responsible for snow removal at bus stops that abut MBTA owned property.  The MBTA encourages property owners to remove snow at bus stops that abut their property.

• Snow routes are activated when necessary.  The MBTA has identified approximately 30 Snow Routes (listed below) located on hills, or narrow streets that depending upon the severity of snow are diverted.  To get the most up – to-date information on snow routes, customers can go to Service Updates, or listen to the local news.

Being Prepared Helps Everyone
In addition to preparing months in advance for the winter season, the MBTA seeks the cooperation of its customers and recommends the following travel tips during inclement weather:

• Allow extra time for travel
• Have CharlieCard ready prior to approaching service
• On mornings when accumulated snow prevents customers from determining their parking space number, customers are not required to pay in advance.  The Parking Operator will place a payment envelope on the customer’s vehicle to be used on their return trip.  Customers can deposit the envelop containing the daily fee into the collection box before exiting the lot. 
• Customers dependent on elevators/escalators are advised to call the service hotline at (617)222-2828 to make sure service is available.

Snow Routes

During severe storms we may need to activate Bus  “Snow Routes”

11   City Point - Downtown
14   Roslindale Sq. - Dudley
24   Wakefield Ave. - Mattapan
30   Roslindale Sq. - Mattapan
40   Georgetowne - Forest Hills
50   Cleary Square - Forest Hills
60   Chestnut Hill - Kenmore
62   Bedford VA Hospital - Alewife
64   Oak Square - Central Square
67   Turkey Hill - Alewife
76   Hanscom AFB - Alewife
78   Arlmont/Park Circle - Harvard Station
84   Arlmont Village - Harvard
85   Spring Hill - Kendall
93   Sullivan - Downtown
99   Boston Regional Medical Center - Wellington
110   Wonderland or Broadway/Park - Wellington
111   Broadway & Park Ave - Haymarket
112   Wellington - Maverick
119   Northgate - Beachmont
120   Orient Heights - Maverick
211   Quincy Center - Squantum
236   Quincy Center-South Shore Plaza
245   Quincy Center - Mattapan
411   Malden Station - Revere House
429   Central Sq., Lynn - North Saugus
441   Marblehead - Haymarket
442  Marblehead - Haymarket
448   Marblehead - Downtown Crossing
449   Marblehead - Downtown Crossing
SL2/SL3  South Station - BMIPK

Note:  Please be aware of road conditions in your community as occasionally other bus routes may be detoured as well.  If roads are impassable or general traffic is not moving, buses will be late or local authorities may require detours.

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