THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 5, 2022 Page 5 MBTA: Orange Line will completely shut down for 30 days beginning August 19 Over 100,000 daily riders – including many from Everett, Malden, Revere & saugus – are impacted by this historic shutdown; ‘T offi cials cite need for major revitalization work to improve ‘safety, service, reliability’; shuttle buses will be provided By Steve Freker M BTA offi cials on Wednesday announced a dramatic move that they said would lead to improved “service, safety and reliability” on one of its most heavily used transit lines. Riders are being encouraged to work from home during this historic, unprecedented 30-day total shutdown of the MBTA’s Orange Line as the agency moves to address long overdue maintenance. The MBTA announced the shutdown beginning at approximately 9 p.m. on Friday, August 19 through September 18, with service resuming on Monday, September 19. Extensive track repair work is part of the overall maintenance project plan. (Courtesy/MBTA) ‘T’ officials, in a press conference which included statements by Governor Charlie Baker on Wednesday, said the shutdown will enable an “accelerated, major revitalization eff ort... on a faster timeline.” Wednesday’s major announcement comes after a series of high-profi le incidents, inORANGE LINE | SEE PAGE 8 MBTA encourages alternative travel options, including Commuter Rail, working from home, during shutdown M BTA offi cials on Wednesday announced an unprecedented, 30-day shutdown of the Orange Line. The move will strongly impact over 100,000 rides daily, and MBTA offi cials encouraged several alternative travel options for Orange Line riders. • Enhanced Commuter Rail options: Orange Line riders who must commute downtown are strongly encouraged to use the Commuter Rail as an alternative as the MBTA is making a series of changes in service to accommodate the change in travel patterns: All Zone 1A, 1, and 2 fares can be paid simply by showing a CharlieCard or CharlieTickets on all Commuter Rail lines. Since many Orange Line riders drive to or transfer between buses and the Orange Line, the MBTA is making it easy to access the Commuter Rail before riders get to the Orange Line by allowing all riders to utilize Commuter Rail stations in Zones 1A, 1, and 2 by showing their CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to a conductor. Haverhill Line Commuter Rail trains stop at Oak Grove, Malden Center and North Station. During these 30 days, riders can show their CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to the conductor to access the Commuter Rail. According to the MBTA, “Haverhill Line trains will make additional stops at Oak Grove. Check back … for more information about this schedule coming soon.” Riders should review the latest Commuter Rail schedules. MBTA ENCOURAGES | SEE PAGE 8 Shuttle bus service between some stations will be provided by the MBTA through Yankee Line. (Courtesy Photo)
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