MBTA to offer free service, later rides on New Yea…

by Rachel Posted on


Local News

Commuter rail and ferry to operate on regular weekday schedule.

Government Center Station passengers wait as a train pulls in. (Lane Turner/Globe Staff)


  • First Night Boston 2026: Everything you need to know for New Year’s Eve

Planning to ring in the new year at First Night? The MBTA has you covered, rolling out free rides and extra service to help revelers get around Boston safely.

Starting at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, subway, ferry, bus, and the RIDE will be fare-free, according to the MBTA. 

Extended service will be available, with last trains departing between 1:45 a.m. and 2:50 a.m., depending on the line. 

In addition, subway service will run on a regular weekday schedule and then will increase after 3 p.m. to accommodate crowds, Kenneth Green, chief of the Transit Police, said at a press conference on Monday. 

Commuter Rail service will also be free on trains that arrive or depart North or South Station from 8 p.m. through the end of service. 

Commuter Rail, bus, ferry, and the RIDE will run on a regular weekday schedule. 

Due to road closures and parking restrictions, the city is encouraging visitors to use the MBTA rather than drive. 

Green noted that the First Night celebrations in Boston are family-friendly and said transit police will not tolerate any drinking on the T. 

“If you should see something, please do not hesitate to say something,” Green said. 

Here is a detailed list of the last trips of the night on New Year’s Eve: 

Orange Line

  • From Oak Grove: 2 a.m., passing Downtown Crossing at 2:15 a.m. 
  • From Forest Hills: 2 a.m., passing Downtown Crossing at 2:15 a.m. 

Red Line

  • From Braintree: 1:45 a.m., passing Downtown Crossing at 2:11 a.m. 
  • From Ashmont: 2:00 a.m., passing Downtown Crossing at 2:17 a.m.
  • From Alewife to…