Boston Green Line Adapts With Shuttle Service

Power problem at Cleveland Circle halts Green Line C Branch service, shuttle buses replace trains

Green Line Halts Service Between Two Stops

Boston's Green Line C Branch isn't running trains between Cleveland Circle and Coolidge Corner today, with shuttle buses replacing rail service. A power problem at Cleveland Circle disrupted service earlier Sunday, December 29, transit officials said. The MBTA hasn't provided an estimated time for service restoration.

Power Problems Plague Aging Infrastructure

The disruption affects riders traveling on the Green Line C Branch, which runs from Government Center to Cleveland Circle as part of the system's four-branch light rail network. Power problems have been a recurring issue on the Green Line due to aging infrastructure, according to the transit agency. The MBTA has been working to address systemic reliability issues through its Green Line Transformation program, which launched in 2023 to improve service and reduce disruptions. The agency operates under Federal Transit Administration safety oversight following multiple safety incidents in recent years.

Shuttle Buses Replace Train Service

Shuttle buses are operating between the two affected stations while crews work to resolve the power issue. The specific cause of the power problem hasn't been disclosed by officials. The Green Line typically carries about 143,000 riders per weekday based on pre-pandemic ridership data, though officials didn't say how many riders are affected by today's disruption. The C Branch is one of four Green Line branches serving Boston and surrounding communities.

No Timeline for Service Restoration

Officials haven't announced when normal train service will resume between Cleveland Circle and Coolidge Corner. The MBTA is working to resolve the issue, according to service alerts posted Sunday. Transit agencies typically provide restoration estimates once crews assess the extent of repairs needed, but that information wasn't available by publication time.

Riders Face Extended Travel Times

Passengers traveling between the affected stations should expect longer travel times while shuttle buses replace train service. The disruption is classified as high-severity by the transit agency. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on Green Line service and shuttle bus locations during the ongoing disruption.