Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for - Monday, April 20, 2015. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.
UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day - Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes
We will update this post as more of the 2015 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.
Update 04.16.15: From the City a page on Marathon Monday with maps etc. (warning auto start video)
Update 04.13.15: From the Massachusetts State Police, here are:
Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants
In case this site is busy or the link doesn't work, you can: Download Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants | MSPnews.org
Patriot John Glover was known as a dapper dresser!
Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.
Open:
Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores
Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open.
Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.
Closed:
Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available.
Boston Parking
One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It says:
"Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."
You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.
Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be certain it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.
PARKING ADVISORY AND STREET CLOSING SCHEDULE
Update 04/09/15: Traffic Advisory for Marathon Weekend is at this link.
In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).
Here's last years post with tips for local parking on this holiday– We'll update this as soon as information is available from the city.
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2014)
Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
2015 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:
You can see full details on their events page through April 20th. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots Day
Tips:
- Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.
- The MBTA advises, "For the safety of our customers, Copley Station will be closed for the entire day on April 20, 2015."
- Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."
- Check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information.
Marathon Monday 2015 MBTA Quick Look
Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.)
The Green line will have, "... rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."
Commuter rail trains "... will operate a "regular weekday schedule."
"Buses, trackless trolleys, and express bus routes will operate a weekday schedule ... Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other race of Patriots' Day events. The approximate time for most street closures is 8:00 a.m. through 6:30 p.m." (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)
Commuter Boats "... will operate a regular weekday schedule."
"THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."
Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2015
MBTA PARKING
"Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on [Patriots' Day], April 20, [2015], in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly."
Official 2015 Boston Marathon information:
Related Posts:
Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015
Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2015
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015
Views from Hereford Street 2009
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: © 2011 Penny Cherubino
