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.
