Never miss your stop
Cobblehop can watch the stops for you and buzz before yours. Here is how it works, how to set up your phone, and why we tell you to get to the door one stop early.
Quick answer: Tap "Buzz me before my stop" on your route card and keep Cobblehop open. When your stop is next, your phone buzzes, chimes and flashes "Your stop is next". Then get to the door, so you're ready when it opens.
How the buzz works
- Plan a trip. Each ride on your route card shows "Get to the door after" the stop before yours.
- Start a live ride. Tap "Buzz me before my stop". The first time, Cobblehop asks to send notifications. Tap Allow.
- Ride. The live screen shows a big number: the stops to go, or the minutes until your train or bus leaves. It also shows the next stop and your arrival time, and refreshes about every 12 seconds. For MBTA trips, Cobblehop follows the actual vehicle. Elsewhere, it uses the scheduled times.
- Get buzzed. When your train or bus reaches the stop before yours, Cobblehop vibrates your phone where the phone allows it, plays a chime, flashes "Your stop is next" across the screen and, if you've switched to another app, sends a notification. On schedule-based rides, it alerts you about 2 minutes before the scheduled arrival.
- Transfers. On a trip with a transfer, Cobblehop buzzes before each stop where you get off, then follows your next ride. The message says to get to the door for your transfer.
- Tap "Got it". Then stand up and head for the door.
Why get to the door one stop early
Stops are short. On a crowded train or bus, it can take a minute to reach the door, especially with bags, a stroller or a group. On buses, you may also need to signal for your stop. Moving early means you're ready when the doors open, not still squeezing past people.
That's why every route card names the stop before yours. On the train from North Station to Salem, for example, the card says to get to the door after Swampscott.
Set up your phone
- Allow notifications when Cobblehop asks.
- Turn off silent mode and turn the volume up.
- Turn off Low Power Mode or battery saver for the ride, if you can.
- Keep Cobblehop open. During a live ride, it asks your phone to keep the screen awake.
- Add Cobblehop to your home screen so it opens like an app.
- Start with a charged phone, or carry a battery.
What can stop the buzz
| Problem | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Silent mode is on | No chime | Turn the sound on before you ride |
| Your phone doesn't let websites vibrate | No vibration | Rely on the chime and the flash, and keep the phone where you can see it |
| Low Power Mode or battery saver | The screen may sleep and updates can slow down | Turn it off for the ride |
| Tab closed or app swiped away | The live ride stops | Open Cobblehop, ask for your trip again and tap the buzz button |
| No signal, like in a tunnel | Cobblehop uses the scheduled times until the signal returns | Keep an eye on the station names too |
| Notifications blocked | No alert while you're in another app | Allow notifications for Cobblehop in your browser settings |
| You boarded a different train or bus | Cobblehop follows the trip on your card | Ask Cobblehop again from where you are |
Good habits for not missing your stop
- Look up at each stop and listen for announcements. The buzz is a backup, not a replacement.
- If you're not sure when the buzz comes, check the station sign before you step off.
- Cobblehop can't guarantee times or alerts, so on an important trip, give yourself some extra time.
What MBTA rides cost
- Subway and bus. The subway is $2.40 one way, and a local bus is $1.70. Tap a contactless credit or debit card, phone or watch, or use a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.
- Commuter Rail. $2.40 to $13.25 one way, depending on the zone. North Station to Salem, the example above, is $8. On Saturdays and Sundays, a $10 weekend pass covers unlimited Commuter Rail rides. Tap-to-pay doesn't work on the Commuter Rail.
- Kids. Children 11 and under ride free.
Fares as of October 2026. Check the MBTA's fares page before you ride.
Stop alerts: common questions
How does Cobblehop alert me before my stop?
Tap "Buzz me before my stop" on your route card and keep Cobblehop open. When your train or bus reaches the stop before yours, Cobblehop plays a chime, flashes "Your stop is next" on the screen and, if you've switched to another app, sends a notification.
Does the stop alert work if I close Cobblehop?
No. If you close the tab or swipe the app away, the live ride stops. Keep Cobblehop open during the ride. It asks your phone to keep the screen awake.
Why does Cobblehop tell me to get to the door one stop early?
Stops are short, and on a crowded train or bus it can take a minute to reach the door, especially with bags, a stroller or a group. Moving after the stop before yours means you're ready when the doors open.
How should I set up my phone for stop alerts?
Allow notifications when Cobblehop asks, turn off silent mode and turn the volume up, turn off Low Power Mode or battery saver for the ride if you can, and start with a charged phone.
Official transit sources
Cobblehop is independent and isn't affiliated with any transit agency. For service changes on your route, check the agency's own pages:
Published October 28, 2026. Route details were checked against the published schedules for fall 2026. Service changes, so check Cobblehop for live times before you go.
Plan your trip in Cobblehop. Say where you're going and get one clear route, a leave-in countdown and a buzz before your stop.
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