MBTA Information
Popularly known as “the T”, the Massachusetts Bay Transport Authority is the owner of various forms of public transportation in Massachusetts, Greater Boston, including the subway. Given the name “the T” because of its logo, the MBTA began operations around the year 1990. It operates 4 heavy rail lines and 5 light rail lines, covering more than 60 km and 40 km respectively. The lines serve a total of 125 stations. As a whole, the network has a daily ridership of 1,295,700 (2013).
MBTA Subway Map
Map of MBTA Subway System in Boston showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the MBTA Subway System map in PDF format.
MBTA Subway Timings, Frequency and Schedule
On weekdays and Saturdays, the metro starts at around 05:00 in the morning and runs until 01:00 the next day. On Sundays, the timetable is slightly different, with the metro starting at around 06:00 in the morning and running until 01:00 the next day.
The frequency of trains varies depending on the day and time of day. During rush hours on weekdays, trains have a headway of only 5-10 minutes. On the other hand, trains run every 8-26 minutes during the late night hours on Sundays.
MBTA Subway Fares, Tickets and Cards
Passengers can travel anywhere on the metro system in any direction for the same fare. A CharlieCard costs $2.10 and allows free transfers to local buses and discounted transfers to express buses. A transfer is valid within two hours of paying the fare. If purchased on board, a Charlie Ticket/Cash on Board costs $2.65.
Passengers can also purchase a monthly pass called the Monthly LinkPass for $75. This pass is valid on the metro and local buses. Daily and weekly passes are also available. A day pass can be purchased for $12.00, while a weekly or 7-day pass costs $19.00. These passes are valid on the subway, local buses and commuter rail.
The MBTA also offers discounts for senior citizens and people with disabilities. They are charged $1.05 per trip and a monthly pass for them is $29.00. These fares apply to the subway and local buses. The card used for this purpose is a Senior/TAP ID card. Blind people can use the subway and bus free of charge. A Blind Access Card is available for this purpose.
Junior high and high school students are also entitled to discounts on the subway, express bus, bus and commuter rail zones 1, 1A and 2 with a student ID card. Students are charged $1.05 per trip, $26/month for a 7-day pass and $26/month for a 5-day pass (Monday-Friday).
Children 11 and under travel free on the MBTA subway when accompanied by an adult. There is a limit of two children per adult.
MBTA Subway Parking
Park and ride facilities are available at most stations. However, there is a charge for using this service. There are over 50,000 parking spaces available.
MBTA Subway Rules and Tips
At off-peak times, all animals can travel free of charge on the metro. However, there are certain conditions that must be met. It’s a must that your pet does not cause a nuisance to other passengers while travelling on the Underground. For convenience, small animals must be kept in their containers/cages. Bicycles can be taken on all lines except the Green Line. During rush hours, bicycles are not allowed on other lines.
MBTA subway lines
The subway system operates between downtown Boston and the surrounding area. Lines are identified by different colours.
- Blue Line – The MBTA’s Blue Line runs from the northeast to the southwest. This line opened in 1924. It runs between Wonderland Station and Bowdoin Station in Boston. The Blue Line connects with the Green Line at Government Center and also connects with the Orange Line at State Street to provide service to the Airport Station. The line has 12 stations and carries approximately 66,933 passengers daily.
- Green Line – The Green Line, operated by the MBTA in Boston, is the oldest underground subway line with four branches. It is the most heavily used line in the MBTA subway system and was given the colour green in 1967. The line runs through an area called the Emerald Necklace of Boston. The Green Line offers services to four different branches B, C, D and E. The B branch operates between Government Center and Boston College serving 25 stations. The C branch runs between North Station and Cleveland Circle and serves 22 stations. The D line runs between Government Center and Riverside and serves 20 stations. The E Branch operates between Lechmere and Health Street serving 20 stations.
- Orange Line – The Orange Line runs between Forest Hills and Oak Grove in northern Massachusetts. The Orange meets the Red, Blue and Green Lines at various stations. The line serves 19 stations.
- Red Line – The Red Line runs from the Northwest Region to the Southwest Region, between Alewife Station and South Boston, and then splits into two branches, Ashmont and Braintree. It serves nearly 30 stations in total.
- Silver Line – The Silver Line has 4 separate branches. From South Station to Terminal E/Design Center/Dudley Square Station, it serves nearly 30 stations in total.
