Alternative ways to get around for the month that the Orange Line is shut down, from Aug. 19 through Sept. 18, include taking a shuttle bus, Commuter Rail or bicycle — the city of Boston on Friday announced that it would be offering free 30-day passes for the area's Bluebike program during the shutdown.
Shuttle buses are set to replace Orange Line service from Oak Grove to State Street and South Station to Forest Hills. Shuttle buses will also be available on the Green Line from Union Square to Government Center.The MBTA released these detailed options for people who take the Orange Line during the shutdown:• Riders can simply show their CharlieCard or CharlieTicketand 2 on ALL Commuter Rail lines at no charge.
The unlimited free 45-minute Bluebike rides will be available to anyone, the city said. Riders will be able to sign up for a pass ator on the app. To keep riders safe, Boston will also create pop-up bike lanes demarcated by barrels on parts of Columbus Avenue, Stuart Street and Boylston Street. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who regularly rides the MBTA's Orange Line, weighed in on what a 30-day shutdown means for commuters and the system as a whole.