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.