What The Orange Line Shutdown Means For Melrose

MELROSE, MA — Melrose Orange Line riders will soon face a complete shutdown of the Orange Line, state officials confirmed on Wednesday.

While certain details remain unclear, state and local leaders were quick to respond, expressing frustration over the situation while highlighting next steps for riders bracing for the shutdown.

“Tens of thousands of people daily depend on this subway line to get to work, school, medical appointments, and more,” State Sen. Jason Lewis said in a statement. “If the MBTA had done a better job maintaining its infrastructure over time, and especially addressing potential safety risks, then we wouldn’t be in this unbelievable situation today of having to completely shut down a major subway line for a month!”

The shutdown will begin on Aug. 19 at 9 p.m. It will last through Sept. 18 to make way for a work across the Orange Line route.

The MBTA has finalized a deal to bring up to 200 buses into service as part of a shuttle bus network during the closure. More specific details on shuttle bus offerings remained to be determined as of Wednesday, however.

In the meantime, officials have announced plans to allow riders in Commuter Rail zones 1a, 1 and 2 to ride the Commuter Rail by simply showing a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket.

That will apply to Commuter Rail stops in Melrose, including the Melrose Highlands, Melrose/Cedar Park and Wyoming Hill stations.

Commuter Rail trains will continue to provide service to North Station.

Officials are encouraging would-be Orange Line riders to work from home during this shutdown if possible. Those who need to travel into the city, officials say, should utilize the Commuter Rail.

State, Federal Legislators Respond

At the federal level, Rep. Kathrine Clark, whose district includes multiple Orange Line communities, joined in criticism on Wednesday.

“It is outrageous that years of underinvestment have left the MBTA with this decision of last resort just to ensure basic safety for riders,” she said in a statement. “This service disruption will upend the lives of those who have already been hit hardest by the pandemic and its economic fallout.”

Clark called for a “clear, comprehensive plan” to accommodate Orange Line riders. She also called for “significant investment” to modernize public transit options.

Lewis, whose district includes Melrose, said he was “shocked and outraged” by the MBTA announcement.

Lewis eyed a state infrastructure bond bill that was recently finalized by the state legislature and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker. The bill would allocate money for MBTA safety and modernization efforts, Lewis noted.

The bill was still awaiting action from Baker as of Wednesday.

Lewis also highlighted previous funding at the state and federal level before calling for a “major shakeup at the MBTA.”

State Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian, who represents Melrose, called the need for this shutdown an “indictment of decades of underinvestment and management oversights of the Commonwealth’s mass transit system.”

“While I recognize the impact that this will have on thousands of riders and families, we are at a crisis point,” Lipper-Garabedian said.

Lipper-Garabedian called on the MBTA and Baker’s administration to lead “robust and ongoing communication” about transportation options and the status of safety efforts during the Orange Line shutdown.

“Such solutions should aim to achieve flexibility for riders, with dedicated bus lanes, expanded commuter rail service, and a complement of locally oriented as well as streamlined bus service into Boston where possible,” Lipper-Garabedian said.

She also cited the legislature’s pending bond bill, additionally highlighting legislative safety oversight hearings launched last month regarding the MBTA.

Officials Explain Shutdown

The Orange Line shutdown, indeed, comes as the MBTA faces a series of orders from federal regulators, who launched an investigation earlier this year after a long list of safety incidents within the agency.

A fire on an Orange Line train last month marked another incident for the MBTA, sending riders scrambling to safety on a bridge above the Mystic River.

“This cannot continue,” Lipper-Garabedian said ahead of the now approaching shutdown. “We must act. Though this action is drastic, it is necessary to ensure the safety of riders.”

Baker announced the shutdown on Wednesday at a press conference with MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak and MassDOT secretary Jamey Tesler.

Tesler described the move as a “win” for riders frustrated with delays and poor conditions on the Orange Line, allowing crews to quickly complete necessary maintenance.

“We’ve taken the time to listen to riders and sympathize with their frustrations,” Poftak said, adding “We know that we can’t wait.”

When complete, officials say, Orange Line upgrades will give riders more reliable and comfortable service.

Officials said they plan to run an extensive public information campaign to communicate alternative options to riders as shuttle bus routes and other plans take shape in the coming days and weeks around the Orange Line shutdown.

Those with questions are advised to visit the MBTA’s Building a Better T website.

Related:

Orange Line 30-Day Shutdown: 'We've Never Had To Do This'