MBTA Announces Major December Service Changes for Orange and Green Lines

The MBTA is planning significant service adjustments in December on the Orange and Green lines as crews continue long-term modernization and safety projects aimed at improving reliability and efficiency across the transit system.

The Orange Line will see full service suspensions between Back Bay and Forest Hills on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, as crews carry out signal upgrades and related maintenance. Regular train service is scheduled to resume on Sunday, December 7. The upgrades are part of a broader effort to modernize the Orange Line’s signal system, which officials say will help reduce delays and improve scheduling accuracy once completed.

To support impacted riders, free and accessible shuttle buses will replace train service between Back Bay and Forest Hills during the suspension. The MBTA will also offer fare-free travel on the Commuter Rail between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, and South Station. The MBTA recommends commuters allow extra travel time—up to 30 additional minutes for trips from Forest Hills to downtown—while the changes are in effect.

On the Green Line, work will concentrate on replacing the original wooden overhead wire “trough” in the tunnel, which dates back to the late 1890s, with a new metal version that will be more durable and easier to maintain. The 15-day project, scheduled for December 8 through 22, will also include signal upgrades, tunnel inspections, and beautification work at several stations.

During this period, Green Line service will be suspended between North Station and Babcock Street on the B Branch, Kenmore on the C and D Branches, and Heath Street on the E Branch. Shuttle buses will replace train service between the affected stations, and several routes will be fare-free during this time, including the Route 57 and Route 39 buses.

Additionally, fares will be waived at Kenmore, Riverside, and at all surface-level stops west of Kenmore to make transfers and commutes easier. Riders can also use the Worcester Commuter Rail Line for free travel between South Station, Back Bay, and Lansdowne during the Green Line closures.

The MBTA has emphasized that these temporary changes are necessary to ensure systemwide improvements that will enhance reliability and safety in the long run. Information about routes, shuttle schedules, and real-time updates can be found on mbta.com/PlannedWork. Commuters can also sign up for T-Alerts or follow @MBTA and @MBTA_CR on X for live service updates.

These December service interruptions follow a series of November upgrades as the MBTA continues its phased approach to modernizing Boston’s transit infrastructure.