Updated Oct. 29, 2026, from the MBTA’s live service alerts. We refresh this page every week, and again when the MBTA announces new diversions.
This page lists every planned MBTA subway and Commuter Rail closure, shuttle bus diversion and long-term station closure we know about for the next several weeks. It’s built from the MBTA’s own service alerts. For a delay right now, check mbta.com/alerts or the station signs. Plans can change because of weather or work schedules.
Quick explainer: A “diversion” means the MBTA swaps trains for free shuttle buses on part of a line, usually so crews can work on track, signals or stations.
Planned closures and shuttles
| Dates | Line | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Sat.–Sun., Oct. 31 – Nov. 1 | Green Line | Shuttle buses replace trains between North Station and Babcock Street, Kenmore and Heath Street |
| Through Nov. 7 | Green Line C Branch | Outbound trains skip Saint Paul Street and Hawes Street |
| Fri., Nov. 6, and Mon., Nov. 9 | Commuter Rail | Greenbush and Kingston trains end at Braintree; Needham trains end at Forest Hills |
| Sat.–Sun., Nov. 7 – 8 | Commuter Rail | Haverhill Line: shuttles between Reading and Oak Grove. Framingham/Worcester Line: shuttles between Framingham and Boston. North Wilmington closed |
| Sat., Nov. 7 – Sun., Nov. 15 | Green Line | Shuttle buses between North Station and Babcock Street, Cleveland Circle, Kenmore and Heath Street |
| Sat.–Sun., Nov. 14 – 15 | Blue Line | Single-tracking near Wonderland, so expect longer waits |
| Fri., Nov. 20 – Sun., Nov. 22 | Red Line | Shuttle buses between Broadway and North Quincy |
| Until 2029 | Green Line E Branch | Symphony station closed for accessibility work; use Northeastern or Prudential |
What the data shows
By our count, the Green Line has the most disruption this month, with 11 days of planned shuttles. That includes a nine-day stretch, Nov. 7–15, that cuts the central subway between North Station and Kenmore. Riders on the B, C, D and E branches should plan on extra time or a different route then. The Orange Line from North Station or the Red Line from Park Street can work for some trips. The Red Line’s Nov. 20–22 shuttles affect riders south of Broadway, including JFK/UMass and North Quincy. Our explainer on why the MBTA is slow and what’s being fixed covers the work behind these closures.
Why does the MBTA shut down whole sections at once?
A full shutdown lets crews do weeks of overnight work in a few days, such as track, signal and power upgrades, so slow zones get fixed faster. The MBTA has relied on these “diversions” since its 2023 Track Improvement Program.
Accessibility: elevators and station access
Elevators 869 and 803 are listed as out of service through Dec. 1, 2026. The MBTA’s alerts page lists the alternate accessible route for each one. Riders who need step-free access should check mbta.com/alerts/accessibility before a trip, or call the MBTA at 617-222-3200.
Getting around during a shutdown
- Shuttle buses are free, and you don’t need to tap a card.
- Allow at least 20 to 30 extra minutes.
- Look for staff in yellow vests at shuttle stops.
- If you’re driving instead, check snow emergency parking rules once storms start, and our Boston transportation and MBTA guide for fares and passes.
Related coverage
- MBTA service changes, November 2026
- Boston holiday events 2026: plan around the shutdowns
- Things to do in Boston this weekend
Frequently asked questions
Is the Green Line shut down in November 2026?
Yes, in parts. Shuttle buses replace trains between North Station and Kenmore, Babcock Street and Heath Street on Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, and again from Nov. 7 to Nov. 15, when Cleveland Circle is included too.
When is the Red Line shut down?
Shuttle buses replace Red Line trains between Broadway and North Quincy from Friday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026.
Are MBTA shuttle buses free?
Yes. Shuttle buses that replace trains during planned diversions are free and accessible.
Is Symphony station closed?
Yes. Symphony on the Green Line E Branch is closed for accessibility work, and the MBTA lists the closure as lasting until 2029.
How do I check MBTA delays right now?
Use mbta.com/alerts, the MBTA’s T-Alerts, or call 617-222-3200. This page covers planned work, not live delays.
Sources
Additional sources
Featured image: Photo: 4300streetcar, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.