Alternative Travel Options During Ashmont and Mattapan Service Disruptions
We are disrupting service on the Red Line’s Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line Saturday, October 14 – Sunday, October 29. The impacts to riders are:
- Free, ADA accessible shuttle buses will replace service on the Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line.
- Transit Ambassadors and other MBTA personnel will be available at each shuttle stop to assist riders.
- Travel is free during this 16-day closure on both the Fairmount Line and bus route 18.
- Red Line service between Alewife and Braintree will operate every 11 minutes on weekdays and 13 – 14 minutes on weekends.
- Allow extra travel time during this service change.
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Alternative Travel Options
For alternative service options, use the suggestions below, or plan a route with Trip Planner.
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Take an Accessible Shuttle Bus or Van
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Free shuttle buses will replace service between JFK/UMass and Mattapan stations via Ashmont.
Peak hours, weekdays 7 – 9 AM, 4 – 6:30 PM:
- Between JFK/UMass and Ashmont: Every 2 – 3 minutes
- Between JFK/UMass and Mattapan: Every 12 – 15 minutes
Weekday off-peak hours and weekends:
- Between JFK/UMass and Ashmont: Every 7 – 8 minutes
- Between JFK/UMass and Mattapan: Every 12 – 15 minutes
Note that schedules are subject to change, especially in the event of inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues that impact service frequency.
All shuttle stops and vehicles will be accessible to riders with disabilities. Some low-floor buses with ramps at the front of the bus will be in use, but during weekday peak hours most will be high-floor coach buses with wheelchair lifts near the rear of the bus.
A small number of accessible vans will also be available. Any rider can request one from a Transit Ambassador or other MBTA personnel at shuttle stops. -
Take the Bus
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You can take the bus to connect between a few Ashmont Branch, Mattapan Line, and Fairmount Line Commuter Rail stations.
- 18 connects to Andrew, Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Shawmut, and Ashmont. Travel on the 18 is free during this 16-day closure, and it travels parallel to the Red Line shuttle.
- JFK/UMass Station is also about 0.3 miles from the 18's Dorchester Ave @ Cottage St stop:
- Go east on Crescent Ave.
- Turn left at Sydney St.
- Turn right at the JFK/UMass sign and walk along the pedestrian path under the highway until you reach the station.
- JFK/UMass Station is also about 0.3 miles from the 18's Dorchester Ave @ Cottage St stop:
- 22 connects to Talbot Avenue on the Fairmount Line and Ashmont
- 24 connects to Ashmont and Mattapan
- 28 and 31 connect to Blue Hill Avenue on the Fairmount Line and Mattapan
- 30 stops near Blue Hill Avenue and Mattapan
- 18 connects to Andrew, Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Shawmut, and Ashmont. Travel on the 18 is free during this 16-day closure, and it travels parallel to the Red Line shuttle.
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Take the Commuter Rail
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If you're commuting downtown, you can use the Commuter Rail on the Fairmount Line.
- Blue Hill Avenue Station: 0.3 miles, 7 min walk from Mattapan Station
- Talbot Avenue Station: 0.7 miles, 14 min walk from Shawmut
Travel is free between all stations on the Fairmount Line during this 16-day closure.
Shuttle Bus Stop Locations
Use our interactive Remix map to find the location of each shuttle bus stop listed below.
Northbound to JFK/UMass
We have three drop-off locations for riders traveling to JFK/UMass:
- 946 Dorchester Ave* (Dorchester Ave @ Crescent Ave), short walk down Crescent Ave to Sydney St entrance
- On Columbia Rd underneath the I-93 Southeast Expressway overpass*, use Columbia Rd entrance
- JFK/UMass busway
Southbound to Mattapan
We have two pick-up locations for riders traveling to Mattapan:
- JFK/UMass busway
- 959 Dorchester Ave** (Dorchester Ave @ East Cottage Ave)
* This location is drop-off only
** This location is pick-up only
Why We're Disrupting Service
This 16-day closure will enable us to work around the clock and achieve repairs and upgrades that would take six months if we had to do them while the system is operating without interrupting service.
Related Projects
Questions?
For questions, comments, or complaints about this diversion, or to request a reasonable accommodation:
- Call Customer Support at 617-222-3200 (MA Relay 711).
- Share feedback online.
For questions or comments about accessibility, email the Department of System-Wide Accessibility at swa@mbta.com.
Related Projects
Questions?
For questions, comments, or complaints about this diversion, or to request a reasonable accommodation:
- Call Customer Support at 617-222-3200 (MA Relay 711).
- Share feedback online.
For questions or comments about accessibility, email the Department of System-Wide Accessibility at swa@mbta.com.