Backup plans for when the T is late or closed

No. It's more reliable than it was a few years ago. The MBTA counts a Red, Orange or Blue Line trip as on time when it arrives within five minutes of the expected time. By late 2025 about 92% of trips met that bar, up from about 25% in late 2023 (Christian Science Monitor). Current numbers are on the MBTA's reliability page.

In December 2024 the MBTA cleared more than 220 slow zones, stretches where trains must go slower for safety (MBTA). Short ones for repairs have come and gone since. In the last published data, from May 2026, there were a few, including a 10 mph zone at Braintree (TransitMatters).

Planned repair closures still happen, like the Red Line's closure from Alewife to Park Street on July 21 to 30, 2026.

Among people using Shift who rode the Red Line regularly, driving went from about a quarter of their trips to about a third during the closure. Biking went up too, from 15% to 18% of trips. Yet at rush hour, drives of 3 to 8 miles in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline and nearby were no faster than biking or the subway: typically 8.4 mph by car, 8.6 by bike and 8.8 on the subway.

About these numbers: From trips recorded by 17 to 22 regular Red Line riders using Shift, June 22 to July 30, 2026 (a small group, in midsummer), and 1,078 rush-hour trips by people using Shift, July 18 to October 16, 2026. Typical means half the trips were faster and half were slower.

• A bus near your line. For the Red Line, route 77 runs from Arlington Heights to Harvard about every 10 to 15 minutes at rush hour, and route 96 runs from Medford Square to Harvard. Our trip planner shows the bus options for your own trip. A bus ride is $1.70. Through February 2027, if you switch to the subway within two hours on the same card or phone, you pay only the higher fare.
• Bluebikes. Nearly 600 stations in 13 cities and towns. A single ride is $3 and a day pass is $11.99. Members get 45 minutes per ride on a classic bike, and people who qualify by income can join for $5 a month.
• The commuter rail. If you live near a station, it can skip the closed stretch. During some closures the MBTA makes it free on the affected stretch: in July 2026 it was free between Porter and North Station.
• The free shuttle. Shuttles are free and accessible, but slow. In July the MBTA told riders to allow at least 70 minutes from Alewife to Park Street.

Nearby on our website, and Around You in the Shift app, show the next buses and the bikes free at the closest Bluebikes docks.

No, for most trips. On trips of 0.75 to 2 miles, Green Line rides recorded by people using Shift typically went 6.4 mph, more than twice their typical walking speed of 2.8 mph. Those times may leave out some platform waiting, so for one or two stops downtown, where stations are a quarter mile apart, walking can come close.

About these numbers: From 324 Green Line trips and 3,111 walks of 0.75 to 2 miles recorded by people using Shift, June to October 2026. Typical means half were faster and half were slower.

In Massachusetts, e-bikes that stop helping at 20 mph need no license. You can ride them on roads, in bike lanes and on most paved paths, but not on sidewalks (MassBike's e-bike guide). Motorized scooters need a driver's license or learner's permit and a helmet, and can't be ridden between sunset and sunrise (state law). A bill that would update these rules is still being worked out at the State House. The state's e-bike rebate is closed for 2026.

Set up your backup now, before you need it.

1. Plan your usual trip. You'll see the bus or train and the bike route, and the map shows live arrivals and the closest Bluebikes docks.
2. Sign up for T-Alerts for your line, so you hear about a closure before you leave home.