MBTA Preparing for Next Winter Weather Event on Wednesday

The MBTA is preparing for the second weather system in less than a week forecast to hit parts of the MBTA service area Wednesday and into Thursday, bringing a combination of high snow totals in some areas, a snow-rain mix in others, and heavy rain in some regions.

While the majority of MBTA services will operate regularly scheduled weekday service on Wednesday and Thursday, the Mattapan Trolley will be replaced with dedicated bus shuttle service beginning at approximately 11 AM on Wednesday, March 7. The MBTA takes this proactive step to protect the 70-year-old trolley cars from weather-related damage.

Because of the timing of the storm, the MBTA is advising customers to plan ahead and allow for additional travel time on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Customers are encouraged to use caution on slippery platforms and bus stops, to stay safe in cold air temperatures, and to check local weather forecasts for updated storm information. As delays and service changes may occur, customers are urged to connect with the MBTA:

Since 2015, the MBTA has:

• invested over $100 million to harden vehicles and core infrastructure including track, switches, power systems, and signals
• developed a multidisciplinary approach when responding to disruptions in service, using teams with the skill sets, materials, and equipment to address a wide variety of potential issues and scenarios
• contracted with vendors for snow clearing along key bus routes and T facility/employee parking, freeing up T personnel to concentrate on core system functions

The MBTA will operate non-passenger trains overnight (early Thursday morning) to keep the tracks clear and to look for any trees or branches that pose a threat. MBTA emergency crews will be on standby throughout the storm to respond to instances of broken rail, issues affecting the power systems, potential switch problems, and any water-related issues that may occur. Power crews will continue to inspect overhead wires on the Blue and Green Lines, looking for ice buildup with ice cutters installed on Blue and Green Line vehicles designed to remove ice buildup on catenary wires. Increased staffing will be present throughout the system with snow-fighting equipment pre-deployed in key areas and snow-operating plans currently in place.

Keolis crews continue the cleanup effort after last week’s historic storm while also preparing for this latest winter weather event. Crews are re-filling resources, inspecting critical infrastructure, and examining wooded areas along commuter rail tracks. Approximately 450 Keolis team members are assisting in the storm prep effort and will be deployed as needed during the storm.

The MBTA will operate regular weekday service on the Red, Orange, Blue, and Green Lines on Wednesday and Thursday. Ferry service will also operate regular weekday schedules and the Wollaston Station bus shuttle that operates all day to and from North Quincy, Wollaston, and Quincy Center due to Wollaston’s closure will continue to operate.

Regular weekday bus service is scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday, but if conditions warrant it, some buses may operate on their designated snow routes.

Please check our Winter Weather page and T-Alerts for the most current information.

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