Boston Green Line Restores Service After Power Fix

MBTA resolves overhead power issue at Boston College station after 15-minute delays

2026-03-13, Moovit News Team

Green Line B Branch Resumes Normal Service

Boston's Green Line B Branch returned to normal operations Thursday after overhead power problems caused delays during the morning commute. The MBTA resolved the electrical issue at Boston College station, which had created 15-minute delays for riders traveling along the branch. Transit officials confirmed service restoration by midday, allowing commuters to resume their regular travel patterns.
MBTA Green Line train at Boston College station platform with overhead power lines visible

Power Problem Disrupted Morning Commute

The overhead power issue at Boston College station affected the entire B Branch during peak travel hours on March 12. Transit officials classified the disruption as high severity due to its impact on one of the system's busiest light rail lines. The B Branch serves Boston College, Boston University, and several densely populated neighborhoods between Allston-Brighton and downtown Boston. Power problems with overhead catenary systems typically require specialized crews to diagnose and repair electrical faults while ensuring worker safety.

Repairs Completed Within Hours

MBTA maintenance crews worked to restore power to the affected section of track, completing repairs before the afternoon rush period. Officials didn't specify the exact cause of the electrical fault or how many trains were affected by the delays. The 15-minute delays represented a moderate disruption compared to complete service suspensions that sometimes occur with power failures. Transit agencies typically maintain backup protocols for overhead power issues, including the ability to isolate problem sections while maintaining service on unaffected portions of a line.
MBTA maintenance crew working on overhead catenary power lines at Green Line station

Service Returns to Regular Schedule

The B Branch returned to its normal schedule by early afternoon, with trains operating at typical frequencies. Officials confirmed the power system was fully operational and no residual delays were expected. The MBTA didn't announce any planned follow-up maintenance or inspections related to the incident, though transit agencies typically conduct reviews after high-severity disruptions.

Riders Can Check Real-Time Updates

Commuters who rely on the B Branch for daily travel can expect normal service levels following the resolution of Thursday's power issue. The incident highlights the importance of monitoring real-time service information during the commute, particularly on older transit systems where infrastructure issues can emerge unexpectedly. Moovit provides real-time updates for MBTA Green Line service, helping riders plan around disruptions and find alternative routes when delays occur.