Local

Commuter rail, shuttle buses or drive? Commuters weigh options for Orange Line shutdown

BOSTON — The upcoming 30-day shutdown of the Orange Line has commuters weighing their options ahead of Aug. 19.

The Orange Line will be shut down through Sept. 18 for “critical repairs” during an unprecedented service diversion.

Shuttle buses will be available at Orange Line stops, which run from Malden to Jamaica Plain.

Some worry that riding on shuttle buses will lead to an exponentially longer commute.

There’s also the option of riding on the Commuter Rail, but those trains run on a different schedule.

1A, 1 and 2 fares can be paid showing a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket during the shutdown at no additional charge.

Those paying for individual trips will find themselves paying more since Commuter Rail prices are based on distance traveled.

“I’m fortunate that I live close to the Commuter Rail. It’s a block away. Hopefully, that will work for me, but I’m not sure if it’s going to,” said Lisa McBride, who commutes from Malden to MGH.

Others are contemplating if they should drive during the 30-day shutdown, but for many that isn’t a viable option.

“There’s this notion in America that everyone has a car, but that’s not the case,” said Brian Gregory, who commutes from Malden to Post Office Square. “I’m a one-car family. I know some people who purposefully live without cars.”

Anyone with the option of “work from home” is strongly encouraged to do so during the 30-day Orange Line shutdown.

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