The MBTA Will Be Starting a New Flying Carpet Service for Fans During the Upcoming World Cup

Article by: Aayushi | Photo by: Adrianna E

“Feel the magic in the air, allez allez allez,” said the MBTA in an official announcement on Friday morning. As a way to reduce passenger troubles on the commuter rail, the MBTA will be starting a new, totally unique, and not copied from Disney idea to transport people to Gillette Stadium for the World Cup, a flying carpet service called the “Commuter Carpet Line.” 

Earlier in the week, the MBTA sent a press release announcing something out of the ordinary to address people's growing concerns about travel. Boston residents have contemplated multiple times what their solution could be. 

“When I first heard about the MBTA wanting to come up with an alternative, I thought they might be bringing it tanks, or like cargo trucks, you know, like they wanna deliver people to their destination,” said South Boston resident Al Adin, a recovering kleptomaniac, “But honestly, this feels more on-brand. Something about a flying carpet just makes sense to me.” 

According to the release, the new “Commuter Carpet Line” will feature a fleet of “aerodynamically enchanted rugs” departing from major hubs including South Station, Back Bay, and “that one Green Line stop that somehow always smells like piss”. Riders will be expected to buy pouches of fairy dust as payment(sprinkle sprinkle) before takeoff and hold on “like their lives depend on it. Cuz it lowkey does.”

The announcement comes as Boston prepares to host matches for the upcoming World Cup, an event expected to draw thousands of visitors to Gillette Stadium. With existing transit systems already strained on a good day, the MBTA said it felt compelled to think “outside the box, above the ground, and slightly into the clouds.”

“We wanted something efficient, reliable, and magical,” said an MBTA spokesperson during a press briefing that reporters confirmed took place in the middle of a skydiving session. 

Transit officials emphasized that the carpets are “weather permitting,” noting that strong winds, heavy rain, or “vibes being off” could lead to delays. Riders are also advised to arrive early, as boarding will begin “whenever the carpet feels ready.” Some riders can prebook their carpets if and only if they agree that 7x7=49 is lowkey mid and 5x5=25 is the real GOAT, no exceptions. 

Despite the novelty, MBTA officials insist the service will operate much like existing lines. There will still be delays, unexplained pauses, and occasional announcements that somehow make things less clear.

“At this time, we are experiencing minor enchantment issues,” a sample announcement reads. “We appreciate your patience, since our usual wizard, Harry, is a follower of broomism, we have taken in the Genie from the lamp as our helper for this particular project.” 

Boston residents, long accustomed to transit disruptions, reacted with a mix of skepticism and cautious optimism.

“I mean, will it still randomly stop for 20 minutes?” said Jay Far, who works as an advisor. “Because if yes, at least I’ll have a nice view this time.”

Others expressed concerns about safety, particularly regarding midair congestion and the possibility of carpets bunching together during peak hours. The MBTA reassured riders that each carpet will be equipped with “state-of-the-art” safety features, including optional seatbelts, a complimentary scarf for dramatic effect, and a conductor who sings.

In a move that surprised absolutely no one, officials also announced that shuttle carpets will replace regular service on weekends.

“Instead of a direct route, riders can expect to transfer between three different carpets, one of which may or may not be going in the right direction,” the statement read. “This is to maintain consistency with the MBTA experience.”

Accessibility remains a work in progress. Early drafts of the plan included accommodations such as step stools and “a very reassuring staff member,” though details have yet to be finalized.

Still, many residents say they are willing to give the service a chance—if only because it cannot possibly be worse than current options.

“Look, if it gets me to the game faster than the Red Line, I don’t care if I have to sit cross-legged and sing,”  said Jazz Mine, a heiress in disguise. “At this point, I’d commute via dragon if it meant I got there on time.”