July 2, 2004

Public Transportation 101: Getting to the MGH during the DNC

While news reports keep reminding the general public about how difficult it will be to get in and out of the city during the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) — being held July 26 to 29 at the Fleet Center — the MGH would like to remind patients, visitors and employees that the hospital still will be accessible during that time.

According to Bonnie Michelman, director of MGH Police, Security and Outside Services, and chair of the hospital's DNC planning committee, the best way to get to the hospital during the convention is by using public transportation if possible.

"I'm confident that the MBTA has a good plan in place to make taking public transportation as smooth and as safe as possible during the convention," says Michelman. "Those who take public transportation should just remember to plan ahead because there may be delays."

The MBTA will be running additional trains and buses during that week to
accommodate the heavier volume of passengers. Commuters are encouraged to buy tickets, tokens and passes in advance. All baggage, brief cases, packages and boxes may be inspected during this time. Because some public transportation services will change and some schedules may be revised, commuters are encouraged to visit the MBTA website at www.mbta.com for updates. Clear signage at MBTA locations will direct passengers appropriately, and MBTA staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions.

Below are some tips to taking public transportation to the hospital during that week.

• Because the North Station commuter rail station will be closed, trains will stop at
  stations north of the city where shuttle buses or subway trains will provide connecting service. Trains south of Boston will run on a regular schedule. Visit the hospital's DNC website for changes in commuter rail transportation at www.massgeneral.org/dnc or the MBTA site at www.mbta.com.
• One-way commuter rail fares range from $3.25 to $6.
• The hospital is accessible by taking the Red Line subway to the Charles Street/MGH
  T station. Those who are taking the connector bus service from commuter rail lines to South Station can take the Red Line two stops on an inbound train to the Charles Street/MGH T station.
• Orange Line and Green Line service will not stop at North Station but will stop at Haymarket station, which is a short walk to the hospital's main campus.
• There will be no changes to Blue Line service, which stops at Bowdoin Station, just a few blocks away from the MGH main campus.
• One-way subway tokens cost $1.25.
• Most MBTA bus routes have no changes except for those closest to the Fleet Center. Visit www.mbta.com for changes to bus routes. Bus fares range from 90 cents to $3.75.
• Partners Transportation is replacing the North Station shuttle stop with service from the Green Line Lechmere Station to the main campus and back. Partners shuttle service also will be available from the Orange Line Sullivan Square Station to CNY and One Constitution Center. Shuttle service will continue from the main campus to CNY. More information about shuttle service and pick-up locations will follow soon.