Transportation Troubles: Orange Line Service Replaced by Shuttle Buses
So, the MBTA decided to shake things up on Thursday evening by replacing Orange Line service from North Station to Forest Hills with shuttle buses. What a surprise, right? This change was all because of some “flooding conditions” caused by a spring nor’easter. I mean, who would’ve thought that rain could cause such chaos in the transportation world? Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe
The MBTA made the big announcement that they were swapping out train service on a section of the Orange Line with shuttle buses due to those pesky “flood conditions” near Ruggles station. Around 7 p.m., they dropped the bombshell on X that passengers would have to hop on shuttle buses between Ruggles and Jackson Square stations. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any crazier, by 8:30 p.m., they were telling folks downtown to ditch the Orange Line for the Green Line. Like, seriously? Do they really expect everyone to just switch gears like that? Oh, and let’s not forget the additional shuttle between Copley and Back Bay stations. It’s like they’re playing musical chairs with public transportation.Orange Line Update: Green Line service replaces Orange Line downtown. Shuttle buses replace Orange Line from Back Bay to Jackson Square. An extra shuttle is up for grabs between Copley and Back Bay. https://t.co/luduznKGtI— MBTA (@MBTA) May 23, 2025
And just when you thought you had the new plan figured out, the MBTA threw another curveball by extending the shuttle buses to take over service between Back Bay and Forest Hills stations. Like, can they make up their minds already? They also decided that the Green Line would take over for the Orange Line between North Station and Copley station. It’s like a game of transportation musical chairs out there. I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel a little dizzy from all these changes.Orange Line Update: Green Line service replaces Orange Line service between North Station and Copley. Shuttle buses replace Orange Line from Back Bay to Forest Hills. An additional shuttle is available between Copley and Back Bay. https://t.co/fvLGZxH59i— MBTA (@MBTA) May 23, 2025
According to a spokesperson from the MBTA, the decision to replace the train service was due to some high water conditions near the electrified third rail track at Roxbury Crossing. Apparently, there was some debris blocking a flat drainage gate that needed to be cleared. I guess Mother Nature just loves to keep things interesting for the folks over at the MBTA. Oh, and let’s not forget that earlier in the day, they also had to suspend Winthrop Ferry service because of “strong winds and rough seas” from the nor’easter. It’s like they can’t catch a break with all these weather-related issues.
So, there you have it, folks. The MBTA definitely kept things lively on Thursday evening with all these transportation changes. Who knows what’s in store for us next? Maybe a surprise visit from a unicorn on the Red Line? Hey, at this point, anything is possible in the world of public transportation. Don’t you just love the unpredictability of it all?
