diff --git a/application/src/main/java/org/opentripplanner/routing/algorithm/raptoradapter/transit/frequency/TripFrequencyAlightSearch.java b/application/src/main/java/org/opentripplanner/routing/algorithm/raptoradapter/transit/frequency/TripFrequencyAlightSearch.java
index 2f020e22cf5..ff97fd9bdaa 100644
--- a/application/src/main/java/org/opentripplanner/routing/algorithm/raptoradapter/transit/frequency/TripFrequencyAlightSearch.java
+++ b/application/src/main/java/org/opentripplanner/routing/algorithm/raptoradapter/transit/frequency/TripFrequencyAlightSearch.java
@@ -60,6 +60,6 @@ public RaptorBoardOrAlightEvent<T> search(
         }
       }
     }
-    return null;
+    return RaptorBoardOrAlightEvent.empty(earliestBoardTime);
   }
 }