Rider Rules and Regulations

At the Blue Hill Ave Commuter Rail station, riders wearing masks stand on the platform, waiting for the train.

Help us maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all MBTA riders by avoiding the following list of items and activities on our buses and trains.

Learn more about MBTA safety policies

Prohibited Activities and Items

Violations of prohibited MBTA activities and use and carry of prohibited items on vehicles and in stations may result in tickets, fines and/or arrest.

Animals on the T

Allowing animals off leash, out of carriers and/or taking up vehicle seats is not permitted.

Non-service animals should not be brought onto the T during the peak hours of 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM.

Small animals like cats and rabbits should be kept in pet carriers. Please keep the carrier on your lap if possible and away from vehicle doors, especially during rush hour.

Allowing animals off leash, out of carriers and/or taking up vehicle seats is not permitted.

Non-service animals should not be brought onto the T during the peak hours of 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM.

Small animals like cats and rabbits should be kept in pet carriers. Please keep the carrier on your lap if possible and away from vehicle doors, especially during rush hour.

Bulky items

Large items are not permitted on the T. This includes:

Appliances
Dirt bikes
Furniture
Instrument set-ups
Large machinery
Motorcycles
Retail or grocery store shopping carts

Large items are not permitted on the T. This includes:

Appliances
Dirt bikes
Furniture
Instrument set-ups
Large machinery
Motorcycles
Retail or grocery store shopping carts

Eating and drinking

Food and drink must remain in closed containers. Please be considerate and avoid eating or drinking on MBTA vehicles and in stations.

Hazardous, inflammable and/or explosive objects

Riders cannot bring the following items into MBTA vehicles and stations:

Dynamite
Gasoline
Gunpowder
Fireworks
Hoverboards
Propane tanks
Pure alcohol
Uncovered oil or grease containers
Weapons or firearms

Riders who use respirators and portable oxygen supplies are permitted to board vehicles and enter stations with their items.

Riders cannot bring the following items into MBTA vehicles and stations:

Dynamite
Gasoline
Gunpowder
Fireworks
Hoverboards
Propane tanks
Pure alcohol
Uncovered oil or grease containers
Weapons or firearms

Riders who use respirators and portable oxygen supplies are permitted to board vehicles and enter stations with their items.

Littering

Do not dispose of trash on the tracks it can cause track fires and service delays.

Littering in MBTA vehicles and stations can result in fines or tickets. Be sure to remove all trash before leaving MBTA property.

Do not dispose of trash on the tracks it can cause track fires and service delays.

Littering in MBTA vehicles and stations can result in fines or tickets. Be sure to remove all trash before leaving MBTA property.

Loud disturbances

Using mobile or music devices without headphones in MBTA stations and vehicles is prohibited.

Avoid loud conversations in person and on mobile devices when riding on the T.

Using mobile or music devices without headphones in MBTA stations and vehicles is prohibited.

Avoid loud conversations in person and on mobile devices when riding on the T.

Obstruction of MBTA operations

Riders cannot interfere with MBTA duties and operations.

Trespassing, littering, loitering, and walking on tracks and busways is not permitted.

Sitting on or obstructing MBTA entrances, stairways and escalators is also prohibited.

Riders cannot interfere with MBTA duties and operations.

Trespassing, littering, loitering, and walking on tracks and busways is not permitted.

Sitting on or obstructing MBTA entrances, stairways and escalators is also prohibited.

Smoking and vaping

Smoking, vaping and use of e-cigarettes are prohibited in all MBTA stations and vehicles.

Transportation devices

Biking, skateboarding, rollerskating, and hoverboarding are not permitted in MBTA vehicles and stations. Bikes are prohibited on all green line trains and platforms, and during rush hour on other lines.

Motorized vehicles are permitted if used as a mobility device for people with disabilities.

Bikes

The MBTA welcomes bicycles on most transit modes, with the exception of during rush hours.

Bike parking is also available at many subway and Commuter Rail stations.

Learn how to commute with your bike and the MBTA

Commercial Photography or Video

Use of supportive filming equipment, like tripods, is prohibited on MBTA vehicles and in stations. Learn more about filming and production requests.

Performances on the T

The MBTA allows performers in designated performance areas. Permits and badges can be obtained here.

Rider Etiquette

Good manners go a long way toward a smooth transit experience. Follow these tips so you and your fellow riders have a pleasant journey.

Boarding and exiting

Please let passengers exit the vehicle before attempting to board, especially during rush hours. This helps speed up service.

When boarding any vehicle, please move all the way in, as far away from the doors as possible. This helps make room for other passengers.

Seating courtesy

Priority seating is available on all vehicles. Please leave these seats vacant or offer your seat to older adults, pregnant people, and people with disabilities.

Be mindful of taking space

When riding the T, keep large personal items on the floor and out of the way of seats. Remove backpacks and move them to the floor or to the front of your person.

Avoid sitting on the stairs or in the aisles of MBTA vehicles.

Conduct on The Ride

A driver for The RIDE helps a passenger buckle up for a trip

The RIDE paratransit service provides door-to-door, shared-ride transportation to eligible people who can’t use the subway, bus, or trolley all or some of the time due to temporary or permanent disability.

Download our practices and procedures on The RIDE

If You See Something, Say Something

On the platform in Park Street Station, a woman holds her smartphone with a Green Line train in the background.

Report an emergency or incident: Dial 911 or call the MBTA Transit Police at 617-222-1212.
Report a problem or emergency with a railroad crossing: Call 1-800-522-8236

Download the MBTA See Say App for your iPhone or Android device to make anonymous reports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will get a response within a few minutes.

Learn more about safety on the T