Free Night Subway Service Expands for Boston’s Fall Weekends

Boston’s MBTA will launch free night subway service on select fall weekends, extending operations and waiving fares after 9 p.m. to improve accessibility for evening commuters and nightlife visitors. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Free Night Subway Service to Support Evening Travel

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will expand service on the Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines this September and October. Operations will run roughly an hour later than usual, with trains arriving every 15–30 minutes.

Don’t miss…Nebraska soybean plant boosts AGP’s rail-served operations

Free rides after 9 p.m. will also apply to commuter rail, buses, ferries, and RIDE paratransit. Eight key bus routes, including 1, 22, 39, 66, 110, SL1, SL3, and SL5, will operate longer hours to match subway extensions.

Free Night Subway Service Aims to Boost Ridership

MBTA CEO Phillip Eng emphasized that these changes reflect a long-term commitment to better serve riders at all hours. He noted that ongoing investments now enable later departures across multiple transit modes.

Governor Maura Healey praised the initiative, saying it helps workers, students, and visitors enjoy Boston’s nightlife while reducing the need for late-night driving. Officials expect the plan to attract new riders and retain existing ones.

The program will run on September 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 26–27, and October 3–4. The personnel cost is estimated at $2 million, underscoring the MBTA’s willingness to invest in accessibility and safety.

By collecting data on ridership, costs, and passenger satisfaction, the MBTA will evaluate whether extended late-night operations should become a permanent part of Boston’s transit system. Strong public support could influence future service planning.

Source: www.trains.com

FAQ

What is the MBTA’s free night subway service?

It is a program offering extended late-night subway and bus operations with free fares after 9 p.m. on select fall weekends. Full details are available at MBTA’s official site.

How can I benefit from free night subway service?

You can travel after 9 p.m. without paying a fare on subways, buses, commuter rail, ferries, and paratransit during the program dates.

Will free night subway service continue in 2026?

The MBTA will decide based on ridership data, costs, and public feedback gathered during the 2025 trial period. Updates will be posted on mbta.com.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: