Orange Line Surge

HNTB helped plan, lead and implement the equity-focused outreach and accommodations during this unprecedented 30-day closure of the Orange Line subway. HNTB and MBTA partnered with the City of Boston, MassDOT and Bluebike to increase engagement, implement roadway modifications to facilitate the safe movement of shuttles during the surge and provide alternative modes of transportation. Information on diversions for all users was distributed widely in 11 languages with additional efforts being made to target historically disadvantaged populations, including low-income individuals, people of color, the elderly, people with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency (LEP) and non-US-citizens. At the conclusion of the project, more riders felt the surge went better than expected and said they would be in favor of other closures that would further improve MBTA service.