BOSTON — The MBTA is rolling out major service changes this summer as Boston prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, with riders urged to plan ahead for reduced commuter rail service and extended subway hours.
From June 8 through July 12, temporary adjustments will be in place across the transit system to accommodate thousands of fans traveling to and from matches.
Commuter rail service reduced
Most MBTA Commuter Rail lines will operate on reduced schedules throughout the five-week tournament. Peak service during the morning and evening rush hours will largely remain in place, but riders should expect longer wait times and fewer trains overall.
On World Cup matchdays, additional service disruptions will be in effect on all commuter rail lines in and out of South Station, one of the system’s busiest hubs.
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Key line changes
Several lines will see significant adjustments, including:
- Fairmount Line: No service to Readville on matchdays
- Fall River/New Bedford Line: No connecting trains at East Taunton; only direct service to and from South Station
- Franklin/Foxboro Line: No train service to Foxboro or between Readville and Windsor Gardens on matchdays; shuttle buses will connect riders to the Providence Line
- Needham Line: No weekend service June 13–14; buses will connect riders to subway lines
- Stoughton Line: Shuttle buses replace trains between Canton Junction and Stoughton on weekday matchdays
Extended subway and bus hours
To handle late-night crowds, the MBTA will extend service on all subway lines and select bus routes:
- Up to 4 a.m. following the Saturday, June 13 match
- Until about 2 a.m. after weekday matches
Extended service will include the Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines, along with several busy bus routes and Silver Line routes.
Ferry service unchanged
MBTA ferry service and The RIDE will continue operating on normal schedules throughout the tournament.
Discounts and promotions
To help offset the service disruptions, the MBTA is offering several summer promotions, including:
- Free Commuter Rail rides on select Fridays
- 50% off monthly passes
- Discounted companion fares on weekends
Matchdays in Greater Boston
World Cup matches impacting MBTA service are scheduled for:
- June 13–14
- June 16 & June 19
- June 23 & June 26
- June 29
- July 9
Plan ahead
Transit officials are urging riders to check schedules before traveling and use real-time tools like MBTA alerts and the MBTA Go app for updates.
With Boston expecting a surge in visitors, officials say planning ahead will be key to avoiding delays during one of the busiest summers the region has seen in years.
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