Boston creates shuttle bus lanes ahead of MBTA Orange Line shutdown
BOSTON -- Preparations are underway in Boston ahead of an unprecedented overhaul of the MBTA's Orange Line.
New road markings will make more room for shuttle buses when a 30-day shutdown of the Orange Line begins this Friday. It comes after several high-profile safety incidents and pressure from federal investigators.
Boston Transportation Department crews marked the roads around Copley Square toward Back Bay station Sunday to create a designated bus lane.
Last week, the MBTA released The Rider's Guide to Planning Ahead, which offers alternative travel options for 20 Orange Line stations that will be affected by the shutdown.
It's being criticized by commuters as confusing and unclear.
For now, shuttle buses will be the main alternative for most of the Orange Line with the exception of four downtown stops between State and Tufts Medical Center.
Those buses are expected to have an impact on the roads and driving might feel extra congestion.
Aside from shuttle buses, the city announced Blue Bikes will be free during the month-long closure.
MBTA riders told WBZ-TV they are bracing for chaos.
"I know the shuttle is going to take forever to come and it's probably going to be really packed so I'm not really happy about that honestly but I guess they are doing what they can," one woman said.
"It's an inconvenience, all the money I'm paying for it, it's like how are you going to stop the whole thing. We just to stop our life?" a man said.
The MBTA is expected to provide more details and options for riders during a news conference scheduled for Monday.