MBTA to Boost Services for Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is getting ready for Boston’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade, scheduled for Sunday, March 16,…
Stock Image
St. Patrick's Day is quickly approaching, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is getting ready for Boston's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
The parade, scheduled for Sunday, March 16, is expected to bring nearly 1 million attendees to the city. With the influx of parade attendees, the MBTA is prioritizing the safety of its employees and passengers.
The MBTA will enact several measures to accommodate the increase in ridership:
- Bus detours: Several bus routes, including the 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 47 buses, will be detoured around the parade area. Buses will not stop at Broadway beginning at 9:45 a.m. and Andrew beginning at 10:15 a.m.
- Commuter rail: Commuter rail trains will operate with additional cars to accommodate parade traffic. The South Station will have additional customer service and management staff to assist riders or answer questions. Additionally, the MBTA said $10 Weekend Passes will be valid for unlimited travel on all the Commuter Rail lines in all zones on Saturday and Sunday, March 15 and 16. Riders can purchase them in advance using the mTicket app.
- Red Line: The Red Line will operate on a rush-hour service from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Due to heavier-than-normal crowd sizes, trains may bypass Broadway during peak transit times.
- Shuttle bus: The MBTA will provide free shuttle bus service from South Station to South Boston from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We encourage everyone to celebrate the holiday responsibly and remain vigilant — if you see something, say something. We want everyone to enjoy the Saint Patrick's Day festivities while being mindful of fellow travelers and lending a helping hand to those needing directions or assistance,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt in a statement provided to Boston 25 News.
MBTA urges users to leave their vehicles at home and take public transportation to St. Patrick's Day festivities as much as possible. For a full guide of what to expect on parade day, visit the MBTA's website.
