Boston Train Skips Stops, But Backup Arrives Soon

MBTA Train 1678 skips Readville, Fairmount, Morton Street due to mechanical issue

Fairmount Line Train 1678 Skips 3 Stops

Boston commuters on the Fairmount Line face a service change this evening after a mechanical issue forced Train 1678 to skip three stations. The train, originally scheduled to depart Readville at 5:30 pm, will now start its route at Talbot Avenue instead, transit officials said. Passengers planning to board at Readville, Fairmount, or Morton Street stations can't use this train and need alternative options.

Mechanical Problems Force Route Change

The service modification stems from a mechanical issue with the train equipment, according to the transit agency. Officials didn't specify the nature of the mechanical problem or whether the train required repairs at a maintenance facility. Transit agencies typically reroute trains when mechanical issues prevent safe operation from the scheduled origin point. The change affects riders at three consecutive stations on the southern portion of the Fairmount Line corridor.

Alternative Train Departs 30 Minutes Later

Passengers affected by the service disruption can board Fairmount Line Train 1680, which departs Readville at 6:00 pm, officials said. The alternative train serves all three affected stations—Readville, Fairmount, and Morton Street—on its regular route. The option adds a 30-minute delay to riders' original travel plans. Officials didn't say whether additional trains would be added to accommodate displaced passengers or if Train 1680 has sufficient capacity for the combined ridership.

Disruption Reported Monday Evening

The transit agency announced the service change on January 20, 2026, though officials didn't specify how much advance notice riders received before the scheduled 5:30 pm departure time. The timing affects evening commuters during the rush hour period when ridership is typically highest. Officials haven't said whether the mechanical issue will affect subsequent trains on the Fairmount Line or if Train 1678's equipment will return to service later in the evening.

Riders Should Plan for Delays

Commuters who regularly use the three affected stations should expect delays of at least 30 minutes if they planned to take Train 1678. Officials didn't say whether the mechanical issue represents an ongoing problem with Fairmount Line equipment or an isolated incident. Moovit provides real-time updates for MBTA Commuter Rail routes, helping riders track service changes and find alternative options during disruptions.