Filming/Sampling* on the MBTA

*Sampling follows all filming procedures & requirements, costs & payments.

MBTA Background & Overview
What We Can Offer
Procedure & Requirements
Hours of Availability
Image Responsibility
Costs & Payments

MBTA Background & Overview

The MBTA plays an essential role in everyday life in Boston, as well as being a prominent and functional figure throughout Boston's history. It is due to this position as a transit powerhouse and historical icon that the MBTA is frequently depicted in countless films, commercials and motion pictures.

The MBTA's idyllic location offers Boston's unmistakable charm as a backdrop for some of the nation's most fabulous scenery. Our footprint is expansive enough to offer a vast variety of visual stimulation to give your production the look, feel and flavor that will complete your production.

What We Can Offer

Over 1,000 buses including new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and also a vintage 1957 bus
Four (4) multi-colored subway lines, over 54 RTL stations and over 420 cars
Four (4) Streetcar & Trolley lines with surface, elevated and underground stations and over 215 cars
11 commuter rail lines with 122 stations and hundreds of coaches, locomotives and bi-level cars
155 lift-equipped vans
State-of-the-art Operations Control Center with an enormous video display
Various garages, carbarns, mechanical facilities, and tunnels

Procedure & Requirements

All Filming/Sampling requires a permit. In order to secure a permit:

1. Contact Peter Swan, Marketing Manager of Special Projects to discuss the anticipated project:

Mail a letter of request to:
MBTA
Marketing Communications - Attn: Peter Swan
Ten Park Plaza, Room 2310
Boston, MA 02116
Fax your request to Peter Swan at 617-222-3340.
E-mail your request to pswan@mbta.com.
The request should include any and all specifics, locations and times including who, what, when, where, why and how. A copy of your script or storyboard should be included.
Before the request is processed, we will also need two (2) forms of ID, at least one (1) with a photo. These can be faxed to 617-222-3340 or hand delivered. They must also be presented when picking up your permit (if granted).

2. The MBTA requires the client to provide proof of the appropriate insurance coverage and release information including:

A Certificate of Insurance that lists the MBTA, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116 as "additionally insured" with a minimum of $1,000,000 coverage per incident or occurrence.
A completed and signed General Release (which will be provided by the MBTA).

3. Allow 10 business days, prior to your start date, for the MBTA to process your request.

Hours of Availability

Filming productions are allowed on MBTA property and vehicles during non-revenue periods. Special requests should be submitted in writing for consideration.

Image Responsibility

The MBTA reserves the right to maintain and protect the integrity of its images, logos and any other form of public representation. In general, any filming, videotaping or photography that depicts the MBTA must not portray the Authority in a negative light. This includes, but is not limited to, violent content, sexual activity and assault. Furthermore, any attempt to portray public transportation as unsafe or dangerous in any way will not be permitted.

Costs & Payments¹

Location Fees:

$500 per 4-hour shift per location in revenue or non-revenue areas in all stations/platforms except North Station, South Station, Back Bay Station, Downtown Crossing and Harvard Station, which are $2,000 per 4-hour shift.

Discount rates are available for non-profit organizations and student projects as well as productions that encourage the use of the MBTA or public transportation.

Equipment Fees:

All times are based on departure from and return to the garage or carbarn.

Vehicle	Per Hour	8-Hour Shift	4-Hour Shift
Bus, including driver		$1,500	$800
Illustrated bus, including driver	$300
Street car, including driver		$2,000	$1,200
Dedicated car on an in-service train		N/A	$750
Rapid transit train - four cars		$4,000	$2,500
Commuter rail train - stationary		N/A	$700
Commuter rail train - moving - four coaches		$7,500	$4,000

Other specialized pricing may be coordinated by the filming coordinator.

Personnel Fees:

Any additional MBTA personnel are charged at a flat rate of $200 per 4-hour shift.

Payments & Billing:

Prior to the start of your project, an estimated bill outlining the costs will be prepared.
Some projects may require initial deposits.
Final payment is due prior to the issue of the filming permit and should be directed to:
MBTA
Marketing Communications - Attn: Peter Swan
Ten Park Plaza, Room 2310
Boston, MA 02116

¹All fees and costs are subject to change!

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority