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
During storms and in the messy days afterward, we do everything possible to stay on schedule. Still, weather and MBTA issues can cause delays. If so, you’ll be notified through app alerts, your route’s page, and/or email.
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, we must receive the request from an assigned contact by 10:30 A.M.—earlier is better.
Keep yourself informed—but not by phone!
During storms, please do not call 128 Business Council for updates. Normally, we welcome rider calls! But during extreme weather, phone lines must stay open so we can coordinate schedule adjustments. Check the app, your route’s homepage, or your email for updates.
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.
