Drivers cautioned, revelers urged to take MBTA during New Year's Eve storm

By Globe Staff

Public officials encouraged people to drive carefully or stay off the roadways and use public transportation, if possible, during the New Year's Eve snowstorm that is blanketing the state.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino encouraged people to take the MBTA when they head to First Night festivities in the city. City transportation officials said detours will be in place, streets will be congested, and parking will be limited downtown. They also warned that cars violating basic safety regulations, such as parking too close to hydrants or intersections, would be towed.

While State Police expect fewer commuters during the day, officials are worried about evening drivers going to or returning from New Year's celebrations, said David Procopio, a State Police spokesman. He encouraged drivers to slow down.

The MBTA will offer free service to holiday revelers tonight from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

MBTA trains, buses, and the commuter rail are running on a weekday schedule, with additional service as follows:

For MBTA buses:

Extra service on route #57 (Watertown to Kenmore) from 6:00 p.m. until the completion of the fireworks.

Extra service on route #39 (Forest Hills to Back Bay) from 6:00 p.m. until the completion of the fireworks.

Extra service operating out of Government Center to Riverside upon completion of the fireworks.

Extra service in the Cambridge area operating out of Harvard, Central, and Lechmere Stations as needed.

Extra service operating out of Sullivan, Wellington, and Haymarket Stations as needed.

Extra service operating from Wonderland Station to Revere.

Extra service in the Quincy area until the completion of Quincy’s First Night Festivities.

For the commuter rail:

Outbound from North Station

Fitchburg Line: 12:10 a.m. departure to South Acton
1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. departure to Fitchburg

Haverhill Line: 12:10 a.m. departure to Reading
1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. departure to Haverhill

Lowell Line: 12:10 a.m., 1:00 a.m., and 2:00 a.m. departure to Lowell

Newburyport Line: 12:10 a.m. departure to Beverly
12:45 a.m. departure to Newburyport

Rockport Line: 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. departure to Rockport
(2:00 a.m. departure Connects with Newburyport at Beverly)

Outbound from South Station

Providence Line: 12:45 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. departure to Providence

Franklin Line: 12:45 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. departure to Forge Park

Greenbush Line: 1:05 a.m. departure to Greenbush

Middleboro/Lakeville Line: 1:10 a.m. departure to Middleboro

Needham Line: 1:00 a.m. departure to Needham

Plymouth/Kingston Line: 1:00 a.m. departure to Kingston

Worcester/Framingham Line: 1:00 a.m. departure to Worcester

Read more and check full schedules on the MBTA website.

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