Snow Policy
Make Sure We Can Reach You
We’ll always keep you informed about weather-related changes—if we can reach you! Take these three steps:
Cancellations
We never cancel lightly. We begin monitoring timing, severity, and local variations days ahead of a forecasted storm. And our decision-making always honors two major commitments:
Delays
We do everything possible to stay on schedule during storms and in the messy days afterward. However, weather, traffic, and MBTA issues can cause delays. If that happens, you’ll be notified via app alerts, your route’s page, and/or email.
Please plan for delays across all transit modes. Dress warmly and expect longer waits. Safety must come first in inclement weather.
Reminder: Enable Tripshot push notifications in both the Tripshot app and your phone’s settings to ensure delivery of route alerts and schedule updates.
Early Release
In very rare cases, afternoon service may start earlier than usual (e.g., first pickup at 2 P.M. instead of 4 P.M.) to ensure everyone’s safety.
If a member company would like an early release for its employees, an assigned contact must submit the request by 10:30 A.M. (Earlier is better.) Early release is subject to shuttle operator availability and hours-of-service limits.
Early or modified pickup requests must come from an official member representative. We can’t accept requests directly from riders.
Stay Informed During Storms
During storms (and even when the weather is fine!), we share updates via the app, your route’s homepage, or your email. Please rely on these channels for the latest information so our team can stay focused on coordinating service.
Again: Be sure to enable Tripshot push notifications in both the Tripshot app and your phone’s settings to ensure delivery of route alerts and schedule updates.
Local Conditions Vary
Our routes cover multiple towns. Cambridge may be clear while Waltham’s hills are impassable. Large vehicles like shuttles also face challenges that smaller SUVs do not.
Full-Day Safety Planning
We must plan for the full day when deciding before service starts. If we cannot be confident about getting riders home safely in the afternoon, we will not operate in the morning.
Lingering Snow Impacts
Even light snow can cause backups when combined with earlier storms. High snowbanks and narrowed roads can slow traffic and make routes impassable for large vehicles.
