Filming and Sampling

FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY

The MBTA is a vital part of Boston’s image and history, dating back to 1631. Boston is credited with being the birthplace of American mass transportation, making it an ideal system to film and photograph.

While the MBTA supports all filming/photographing productions both big and small, we kindly ask that you remember the MBTA’s main role is to provide transportation and that our customers come first. We will work with applicants to determine a time when the impact on the public is minimal.

How to get started

  1. Fill out the Filming & Photography application. Along with completing the online application, please also upload a letter of intent with your script, storyboard, or concept detailing how and when you plan on using the MBTA’s services.
  2. Submit the license administration fee to the MBTA’s film coordinator’s attention. To complete payment, please send a check made payable to the “MBTA”, to 20 Park Plaza, Suite 1120, Boston, MA 02116.
  3. Please allow for a minimum of 30 business days for review and approval from the affected MBTA departments. Inquiries regarding application status prior to completion of the 30-day timeframe will not be considered.
  4. Once the MBTA has approved the project, the filming coordinator will send a copy of the filming license to the applicant for signature.
  5. Applicant will return the signed license agreement along with the required fees and insurance certificated to the filming coordinator. Upon receipt, the filming coordinator will facilitate the full execution of the agreement from the MBTA.
  6. Once all applicable filming fees and certificates of insurance are received, the filming coordinator will issue a copy of the fully executed agreement allowing the applicant to proceed with the filming request.

Filming Guidelines

Denial of Applications

Support Crew

The appropriate personnel is required for filming/photography support as follows:

Fees

All applicants will be subject to the following fees. The administration fee must be submitted at the time of application. Applications will not be processed until the administration fee is received.

Commercial Filming Costs

Commercial Filming
$1,000 Administration Fee
Administration Fees – *nonrefundable fee, if application denied
*Tier Determination will be at sole discretion of the MBTA

Location Fees

Zone 1 (stations & platforms)Downtown Crossing, Gov’t Center, Harvard Square, North Station, South Station (subway), Park St., State St.Commercial – $10,000 – 8 hours ($1,500/hour for any additional hours)
Zone 2Alewife, Assembly, Braintree, Charles/MGH, Copley, Davis, Forest Hills, Kenmore, Porter, Quincy Center, Ruggles, Maverick, Airport and Wonderland Stations; Salem and Yawkey CRCommercial – $7,500 – 8 hours ($1,125/hour for any additional hours)
Zone 3All other subway and commuter rail stationsCommercial – $5,000 – 8 hours ($750/hour after)

Transit Police & Flagging

  • Transit Police Detail rate – as deemed necessary by MBTA TPD
  • Flagging costs – as deemed necessary by MBTA Commuter Rail and Transit Operations

*Pricing varies based on number of flaggers/transit police required and date of filming

Parking

  • Parking is not provided by the MBTA. If you wish to utilize MBTA parking lots, please indicate this in your application.
  • Parking requests are subject to additional fees.

*Rush hour film projects are prohibited, rush hour period defined from 6am – 9:30 am & 4pm – 7 pm

Additional Services

Insurance

Additional Documents for Review


SAMPLING

Sampling Guidelines

How to Get Started

  1. Fill out the Sampling application. Along with completing the online application, please also upload copies of the security clearance forms and photo ID’s for all participants involved.
  2. Submit the sampling administration fee to the MBTA’s sampling coordinator’s attention. To complete payment, please send a check made payable to the “MBTA”, to 20 Park Plaza, Suite 1120, Boston, MA 02116.
  3. Please allow for a minimum of 45 business days for review and approval from the affected MBTA departments. Inquiries regarding application status prior to completion of the 30-day timeframe will not be considered.
  4. Once the MBTA has approved the project, the sampling coordinator will send a copy of the sampling permit to the applicant for signature.
  5. Applicant will return the signed sampling permit along with the required fees and insurance certificated to the sampling coordinator. Upon receipt, the sampling coordinator will facilitate the full execution of the permit from the MBTA.
  6. Once all applicable sampling fees and certificates of insurance are received, the sampling coordinator will issue a copy of the fully executed agreement allowing the applicant to proceed with the filming request.
  7. Applicant must keep sampling permit with them at all times during the duration of the project, and must present permit to any MBTA safety/station inspection when requested. 

Fees

Administration Fees – *nonrefundable fee, if application denied*

*Tier Determination will be at sole discretion of the MBTA

Location Fees

Zone 1 Downtown Crossing, Gov’t Center, Harvard Square, North Station, South Station (subway), Park St., State St $5,000 for 1 sampling day (stations & mezzanine)
Zone 2 Alewife, Assembly, Braintree, Charles/MGH, Copley, Davis, Forest Hills, Kenmore, Porter, Quincy Center, Ruggles, Maverick, Airport and Wonderland Stations; Salem and Yawkey CR $3,500 for 1 sampling day (stations & mezzanine)
Zone 3 All other subway and commuter rail station $2,500 for 1 sampling day (stations & mezzanine)

Insurance