BOSTON (WHDH) - Ahead of the month-long shutdown of the MBTA’s Orange Line beginning next week, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the city has partnered with the bike share organization Bluebikes to provide free ride passes for commuters and travelers during the hiatus in train service.
The bike share passes will be available to anyone and provide an unlimited number of free 45-minute trips. Passes will be available at bluebikes.com or in the Bluebikes mobile app.
“Expanding access to bicycles is just one way the City is working to provide alternate routes of travel during this unprecedented shutdown,” said Wu. “Our City departments are meeting daily with the MBTA to adjust shuttle routes, set bus priority lanes, and create multilingual signage.”
The MBTA previously announced that the Orange Line will be closed from August 19 through September 19 for repair work.
Boston city officials also announced that the city will implement “pop-up” bike lanes on Columbus Avenue, Stuart Street and Bolyston Street. The lanes will be separated from vehicle traffic by barrels. In addition, officials are planning bus priority lanes in several key areas around the city.
“Biking can be a great alternative for some people during the shutdown,” said Boston Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge. “Opening up and enhancing Bluebikes service is just one of the ways we’re helping residents access good alternatives to their normal transit routes.”
Bluebikes is jointly owned by the City of Boston, along with several other surrounding municipalities.
Further information on the MBTA’s planned Orange Line shutdown can be found on the City of Boston’s website.
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