6AM City In-house

The MBTA bus network’s new look 🚌

The MBTA approves new bus network map
87 bus on a busy street in Somerville
The changes will increase bus access for Everett, Somerville, and Medford. | Photo by BOStoday
Thanks to community feedback, the MBTA Board of Directors approved an updated bus network redesign.

What does this mean for commuters? A total of 85 changes will be made to the 133 bus routes, and 30 bus routes will have buses arrive at least every 15 minutes.

This project is part of an effort to increase bus service by 25% around the Greater Boston area and offer more all-day service + connections.

The proposal was first drafted in May, then revamped in October after 20,000+ public comments — aka lots of local commuters making their voices heard.

Overall, the changes to the original proposal were made to improve access to hospitals + senior centers, preserve existing one-seat rides, and balance resources during the ongoing bus driver shortage.

Here are just a few of the route changes that will be implemented over the next five years:
  • Removing the Route 94 bus, which currently runs between Medford Square and Davis Square.
  • Rerouting the high-frequency Route 8 bus via Harrison Avenue, East Concord + East Newton streets for stops to be closer to Boston Medical Center.
  • Extending service to 1 a.m. on multiple routes, including the 11, 30, and 78 buses.
There are more changes to explore, and Bostonians can check them out with this interactive map showing street-level changes. There is also a static map showing changes at the regional level.

Curious about next steps? The agency will conduct fare and service equity analyses and hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, Dec. 8.
Boch Center

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, Nov. 18
  • City Hall Newly Plaza Ribbon Cutting | Friday, Nov. 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Sq., Boston | Free | Celebrate the reopening of the renovated plaza with live entertainment + tours of the new space.
  • Snowbound Expo | Friday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Nov. 20 | 2-7 p.m. | Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston | $15-$30 | Head to Boston’s convention center for this community winter + outdoor sports event.
Saturday, Nov. 19
  • Fenway Flea Winter Market | Saturday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Nov. 20 | 12-5 p.m. | Time Out Market Boston, 401 Park Dr., Boston | Free to attend | Support local small businesses selling vintage goods, jewelry, and gifts.
  • Blacklight Pickleball Tournament | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 7-10 p.m. | PKL, 64 C St., Boston | $100 | Grab your pickleball buddies for a glow in the dark tournament in South Boston.
  • Harvesting Stories: Author Event for Adults | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 3:45-4:30 p.m. | Coolidge Corner Branch Library, 31 Pleasant St., Brookline | Free | Join Dominican poets and authors for a poetry reading + panel discussion on their personal writing journeys.
Sunday, Nov. 20
  • Holiday Stroll | Sunday, Nov. 20 | 3-6 p.m. | MarketStreet Lynnfield, 600 Market St., Lynnfield | Free | Experience interactive holiday decor, wintery activities, and a tree lighting at the outdoor shopping center.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS
6AM City In-house

3 (low-effort) appetizers for your next holiday party
An appetizer spread featuring Hampton Farms products on a living room table.
Recipe times range from ~5-15 minutes. | Photo provided by Hampton Farms
Get ready to impress your guests, Boston. Just in time for the holiday season, we’ve rounded up three easy appetizer recipes from Hampton Farms:
SEE MORE PARTY RECIPES

Weather
  • 45º | Mostly sunny | 0% chance of rain
Transit
  • Speaking of MBTA news, the agency announced an opening date for the Green Line Extension in Medford. The grand opening of five new stations will take place Monday, Dec. 12. ICYMI, read up on the project and Somerville’s Union Square Station here. 🚆
Seasonal
  • The Boston Common Frog Pond will open for ice skating on Monday, Nov. 21. Find the schedule + pricing here and mark your calendars for the Tree Lighting Skating Spectacular on Thursday, Dec. 1. ⛸️
  • We’re all about staying warm throughout the colder months, which means we’re leveling up our typical outerwear to something a little toastier. Enter: heated jackets. We love this one for its three different heat levels and this slim fit option with 5,000+ five star reviews.*
Civic
  • The Mayor’s Office of Early Childhood announced the 21 local recipients of federal grants supporting early childhood programming. The $5.6 million in ARPA funds will go toward organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester, East Boston Social Centers, and YMCA of Greater Boston.
Travel
  • Pack your patience for your Thanksgiving travel plans. TSA is expecting long lines at Logan Airport on Tuesday, Nov. 22 and Wednesday, Nov. 23 ahead of the holiday, as nearly 64,000 travelers are expected to fly through our local airport. ✈️ (NBC 10)
Number
Edu
  • Sunil Kumar has been appointed the new president of Tufts University. He is currently the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Johns Hopkins University, and will take on the new role next summer.
Arts
  • Calling all local designers. Community members are invited to submit designs for the Arnold Arboretum’s 2023 Lilac Sunday through Sunday, Dec. 18. Need inspiration? Read up on the organization’s lilac collection. 💜
Cause
  • Project Paulie and Casa Myrna are providing local families with a Thanksgiving meal bag for every $100 donation made through this Sunday. Donations can be made in person at The Current in the Seaport or online.
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HEALTH
 

Hey, sleep apnea people: Comfortable sleep is just a click away
A man holds up a sleep apena mask.
This sleep apnea treatment could change the way you experience a night’s sleep. | Photo provided by Inspire
If you or someone you know struggles with CPAP for sleep apnea, now there’s hope. Meet Inspire, an FDA approved sleep apnea treatment that works inside your body with the click of a button. No mask. No hose. Just Sleep.™

Want to learn more? Attend a free webinar to hear from Inspire-trained doctors about how Inspire works.*
Inspire is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you, and review important information at Inspire.
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sara.

Editor’s pick: Did you know A4cade in Cambridge hosts free karaoke at 7 p.m. on Wednesday nights? I checked it out recently and learned that there’s a hidden theme each week. Pick a track off the secret song list and you might just win a prize. 🎤

No, I didn’t win a prize, but it was still a great time.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out our Six & Main gift guide ahead of the holidays. 🎁
Connect with us.

Editorial: Jessica Burton, Sara Frazier, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

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