Crowding Information for Riders | Projects (2024)

Crowding Information for Riders | Projects (1)

To keep riders informed during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, we began piloting crowding information for bus and subway. As of May 29, 2021, we’ve updated our crowding data to reflect the statewide reopening.

Crowding information is available for two modes of transportation:

  • Real-time crowding for buses on our website, E ink screens, and in the Transit app
  • Recent seat availability trends on the Commuter Rail, represented by icons at the top of a line's timetable

We’ve shifted our crowding definitions to reflect pre-pandemic levels. Crowding data is now based on the thresholds in our service delivery policy.

We describe crowding in three categories: Not crowded, Some crowding, and Crowded:

  • Not crowded: Fewer than 50% of seats are occupied
  • Some crowding: Around 50% of seats are occupied
  • Crowded: 25% more than the seated capacity

Percentages are based on the specific capacity of the vehicle. For example, a standard 40-foot bus with 37 seats would be considered crowded at 46 riders. A 60-foot bus with 57 seats would be considered crowded at 71 riders.

We'll continue to monitor usage and rider feedback, and we may make further adjustments as necessary.

Commuter Rail seat availability is regularly updated to reflect a trip’s typical ridership based on automated and conductor data from the past 14-30 days.

Current seat availability thresholds are:

  • Many Seats Available:Typically more than 66% of seats are available and distancing is possible (~0-2 people per row)
  • Some Seats Available: Typically more than 33% of seats remain available and distancing may be possible (~2-3 people per row)
  • Few Seats Available: Typically fewer than 33% of seats available and distancing is unlikely (~3+ people per row)

Bus Real-time Crowding

Real-time crowding information is available all day, every day for most MBTA bus routes. For each route, our Customer Technology team verifies the accuracy of crowding information through manual passenger counts.

For some routes, crowding information may not be available yet, or may only be available on certain days or times:

Routes 4, 39, 55, 57, 59, 60, 65, 66, 90, 94, 95, 96, 97, 100, 105, 106, 108, 131, 134, 136, 137, 193, 354, 411, 430, 501, 504, 553, 554, 556, 558, CT2, and CT3

Routes 71 and 73

Routes 34 and 34E

How to Use Bus Crowding Information

Crowding information is now available on our website, on certain digital signs, and within the Transit app.

Visit the schedule page for any route the information is available for, and then tap or click the vehicle icon on the map or the line diagram.

Crowding Information for Riders | Projects (2)

You might also see E Ink screens that predict crowding levels on the buses scheduled to arrive.

Commuter Rail Seat Availability Trends

Commuter Rail crowding levels indicate the seat availability across all coaches on each train. This information is based on a combination of automated counts via on board sensors and manual counts by our crew members.

To reflect a trip’s typical crowding, these levels are constantly updated and based on a trip’s median seat availability within a rolling 14 – 30 day period. Some coaches may be more crowded than others; if your coach appears more crowded than typical, consider relocating to another open coach on the train.

Due to the nature of public transportation, trains may operate at a lighter or fuller capacity than typical on any given day.

How to Use Commuter Rail Seat Availability Trends

Crowding Information for Riders | Projects (3)

Seat availability information is available on all Commuter Rail lines, represented by icons at the top of a line’s timetable.

What’s Next

Bus

Real-time crowding is a new data source we developed in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Crowding data is now available on the majority of MBTA bus routes.

Subway and Commuter Rail

Live crowding data for the subway and Commuter Rail isn’t available yet. Additionally, because our data is based on fare card taps at station faregates, crowding information is not available for Green Line and Mattapan Trolley.

Contact Us

Tell us what you think! Send your questions or feedback to our Customer Support team. The data is also available to third-party app developers in our official APIs.

Coronavirus Updates

Get the latest updates on service changes related to COVID-19.

View coronavirus updates

Related Projects

Solar-Powered E Ink Signs

Crowding Information for Riders | Projects (5)

Solar-Powered E Ink Signs

The MBTA is deploying solar-powered E Ink signs to display real-time information about arrivals and service alerts at Green Line stations and bus stops.

View all projects

Crowding Information for Riders | Projects (2024)

FAQs

How many people can fit on an MBTA bus? ›

For example, a standard 40-foot bus with 37 seats would be considered crowded at 46 riders. A 60-foot bus with 57 seats would be considered crowded at 71 riders. We'll continue to monitor usage and rider feedback, and we may make further adjustments as necessary.

Can I use my phone as a CharlieCard? ›

If you don't have a CharlieCard, you can also pay your fare with: CharlieTicket, a tappable ticket that can be loaded with subway, bus, Commuter Rail, and ferry tickets or passes. mTicket, an Android and iPhone app for Commuter Rail and ferry tickets or passes.

Can I take my dog on the MBTA? ›

Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. Non-service dogs are not allowed on the T during peak hours: 7 AM – 10 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM on weekdays. Dogs should be on a leash and cannot take up a seat, but there is room for them to lay down under the seats.

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