Boston's MBTA overhauls transit for World Cup crowds and late-night matches

Massachusetts is preparing for major transport changes as the World Cup arrives in Boston. Between June 8 and July 9, the MBTA will adjust services to manage crowds and match schedules. Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, temporarily renamed 'Boston Stadium', will host seven games during the tournament. The MBTA has announced summer deals to ease travel, including 'Free Fridays' and half-price monthly passes on the Commuter Rail. However, most lines will see reduced service for five weeks, with further cuts on matchdays.

On June 13, a late-night match at 9 p.m. will extend subway and select bus services until 4 a.m. Routes like SL1, SL3, SL4 (June 13 only), SL5, 1, 22, 39, 66, and 110 will run longer. For other matches, trains and buses will operate until around 2 a.m. Special event trains will run from South Station to Foxboro, with up to 14 services per match. Round-trip tickets will cost $80. But some lines will face disruptions: the Needham Line loses weekend trains on June 13 and 14, while the Stoughton Line replaces weekday matchday trains with shuttle buses. The Fairmount Line will skip Readville on matchdays, and the Franklin/Foxboro Line will not serve Foxboro or stops between Readville and Windsor Gardens.

The changes aim to balance fan travel with regular commuter needs. Extended late-night services and special event trains will help spectators reach matches. Meanwhile, reduced schedules on other lines may affect daily commuters throughout the tournament period.