Transportation Spotlight: MBTA Silver Line

In comparison to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)’s other public transportation options, the Silver Line is quite unique. In addition to the standard Boston subway, commuter train, or city bus, the MBTA offers a bus rapid transit system through its Silver Line. Operating primarily in reserved lanes and tunnels, the Silver Line operates on four routes (with a fifth under construction).

For connection to the BCEC, Silver Line routes SL1 and SL2 travel from South Station to South Boston. SL1 and SL2 are the most convenient modes of public transportation to get to and from the BCEC. Both routes run in a dedicated underground bus tunnel to the World Trade Center station, directly across from the BCEC.

For visitors arriving to and departing from Logan International Airport, the Silver Line provides drop-off and pick-up directly in front of each terminal from 5:30am to 12:30am each day. Additional free shuttle bus services connect the terminals with other airport destinations, including the Blue Line’s Airport Station and the water taxi dock.

Passengers traveling on SL1 and SL2, to the BCEC or to the Airport, pay the standard MBTA subway fare (prices as of March 2016): $2.65 when using CharlieTickets or cash and $2.10 when using a CharlieCard. Ticket vending machines that accept cash and credit cards are located at Logan International Airport and the World Trade Center, Courthouse, and South stations. For passengers traveling on SL4 and SL5, fares follow standard bus prices at $2.10 for a CharlieTicket/cash on board, and $1.60 for CharlieCards.

Fun facts:

• SL1 and SL2 run as electric trolleys until they reach Silver Line Way, switching there to diesel power.
• SL1 and SL2 travel through the Ted Williams Tunnel, which was built during Boston’s “Big Dig”.
• The newest Silver Line route, currently called ‘Silver Line Gateway’, will run alongside SL1 and SL2 before splitting to end in Chelsea.
• SL4 and SL5 use diesel-electric hybrid New Flyer articulated and compressed natural gas (CNG) powered 60-foot Neoplan USA buses during the day. At night, standard 40-foot CNG buses are used because of the engine noise.
• All buses are wheelchair ramp-equipped using kneeling bus technology and a flip-out ramp.
• SL5 was the first route and began running in 2002. It is the product of community demands for restoration of local service after a portion of the elevated Orange Line was demolished in 1987.
• SL1, SL5, and the South Station to Silver Line Way shuttle (which runs during rush hour) are the only MBTA bus routes that show a net profit.

Visiting the Hynes? If you are traveling from Logan International Airport to the Hynes Convention Center, we recommend the Back Bay Logan Express shuttle that costs just $7.50 (updated June 1, 2016)!