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FAQ

General Questions

  • What is T-Alerts?
    T-Alerts is a voluntary subscription service that allows subscribers to receive electronic notifications of significant train delays (estimated 15 minutes or greater) and service changes for selected MBTA lines.

  • How much does T-Alerts cost?
    T-Alerts is a free service offered by MBTA. Depending on your Internet service provider or cellular phone plan, additional per-message charges may be assessed by your carrier. Please call your carrier to inquire about any charges they might impose BEFORE subscribing.

  • What type of devices will T-Alerts send messages to?
    T-Alerts can send messages to any device that has an e-mail address and/or a cellular number. This includes desk-top computers, pagers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or other such devices.

  • Is there a limitation on the length of a text message?
    Yes, text message capabilities are limited to the first 160 characters due to storage limitations on cellular phones. For this reason, T-Alert messages are generally kept short.

  • How many MBTA lines/routes can I subscribe to?
    You can subscribe up to any three lines/routes the MBTA operates. T-Alerts for elevator and escalators on any of those three line/routes can also be added.

  • Can I have T-Alerts go to more than one e-mail address or mobile device?
    Yes. When you subscribe, you can provide up to two e-mail addresses (or cellular phone numbers for text messages). If you need to list more than two e-mail addresses, you will need set up an additional subscription.

  • Will my mobile provider charge me to receive T-Alerts?
    This depends on your service provider and plan. We strongly encourage you to check with your provider to determine if there are additional charges BEFORE you subscribe to this service.

  • Can I receive SMS messages instead of e-mail messages?
    If your cellular phone, PDA, or pager is capable of receiving text messages, the providers automatically convert e-mail to text messages. To receive T-Alerts as SMS messages on your cellular phone, PDA, or pager, refer to your provider for actual instructions. Use your SMS message e-mail address provided by your carrier to sign-up for T-Alerts. Examples of  addresses for various providers are:

  • Cingular: your 10 digitnumber@cingularme.com

  • Verizon: your 10 digitnumber@vtext.com

  • AT&T: your 10 digitnumber@mmode.com (previously your10digitnumber@mobile.att.net)

  • Nextel: your 10 digitnumber@messaging.nextel.com

  • T-Mobile: your 10 digitnumber@tmomail.net

  • Sprint: your 10 digitnumber@messaging.sprintpcs.com

  • SkyTel: your pager PIN or Personal Access Number @skytel.com

  • Arch Wireless: Your pager PIN @archwireless.net

    Please check with your provider to obtain the most recent access method and that your cellular phone or PDA is authorized to receive text or email messages.

  • I am not receiving the T-Alerts.
    Ensure that you signed up with a valid e-mail address(es) and replied to the confirmation e-mail. If you did not receive the confirmation e-mail or did not reply to it, you will not receive T-Alerts. Ensure that the T-Alerts are not being blocked by your SPAM filter. Add the e-mail address talerts@talerts.mbta.com to your allow list or list of authorized senders.

  • My T-Alerts are being blocked by my SPAM filter.
    Add the e-mail address talerts@talerts.mbta.com to your allow list or list of authorized senders.

Subscription Questions

  • How do I subscribe to T-Alerts?
    Use the Subscribe page and complete the necessary fields.

  • I subscribed, but I entered the wrong e-mail address. What should I do now?
    Re-subscribe with the correct e-mail address. The incorrect e-mail address will automatically be deleted from the system.

  • I subscribed, but I want to change the MBTA lines, days, or times. What should I do now?
    Use the Manage Account page to make changes.

  • When I subscribed, I was advised that I would receive a confirmation e-mail, which I did not receive. What should I do now?
    Use the Manage Account page and select "resend confirmation e-mail". Make sure that your SPAM filter is not blocking e-mail from talerts@talerts.mbta.com. If you still did not receive the confirmation e-mail, please contact T-Alerts Support.

  • I received the confirmation e-mail on my pager or cellular phone, and I can not reply to confirm the subscription. What should I do now?
    Use the Manage Account page and select "Authorize Account". You will need your e-mail address and authorization ID number (AUTH ID) provided in the confirmation e-mail. If you do not have the confirmation number, please contact T-Alerts Support.

  • Is there another way to confirm my subscription to T-Alerts?
    Use the Manage Account page and select "Authorize Account". You will need your e-mail address and authorization ID number (AUTH ID) provided in the confirmation e-mail. If you do not have the confirmation number, please contact T-Alerts Support.

  • My e-mail address has changed. What can I do to continue to receive T-Alerts?
    Unsubscribe using your old e-mail address and re-subscribe using your new e-mail address.

  • I need help subscribing to T-Alerts.
    Contact T-Alerts Support. Please have available your e-mail address and any error messages you are receiving.

  • How do I unsubscribe from T-Alerts?
    Use the Unsubscribe page. You will receive a confirmation e-mail if the process was successful.

  • How do I manage my T-Alerts account?
    Use the Manage Account page.