As the MBTA  announced on October 7, the Bus Network Redesign’s first phase will launch on December 15. Preparations and outreach for the rollout of these changes to establish more frequent service and better routes are underway.

As part of Phase 1, the MBTA will launch four new Frequent Bus Routes, by increasing service on Routes 86, 104, 109, and 110 and combining Routes 116 and 117 to a single Frequent Bus Route. This will be a 60% increase in service on affected routes, and will improve reliability and frequency and simplify transit options for riders in Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, Somerville, Cambridge, Allston, Brighton, and East Boston.

New bus stop sign where service will change, covered by a temporary bag showing current service.

To get ready, the MBTA is busy preparing stops, signs, and stations, and are beginning to notify riders, including:

• Enhancing bus infrastructure and improving the rider experience through capital projects.
• Installing new, easier-to-read bus stop signs at over 330 locations ahead of the launch of Phase 1 service changes.
• Installing updated subway, neighborhood, and bus connection maps across Phase 1 communities, including within bus shelters.
• Holding outreach events at bus stops and stations before and after launch of Phase 1.
• Hosting tabling events at senior centers, community centers, and libraries throughout the Phase 1 service area.

Rider booklets are available here. If you’re a part of a community group and think your members would be interested in additional materials, reach out to betterbusproject@mbta.com and the team can provide you with access to a community toolkit. 

Accessibility Improvements at Stops in Phase 1 Service Area

To make the bus network accessible for all riders, they are constructing fully-accessible bus stops, crosswalks, and sidewalks – and as they go, improving their condition.

• Dawes Island (Routes 66, 86, 109), Cambridge: To improve accessibility and state of good repair at a heavily used bus stop that will serve as a transfer point between Route 109 and Route 86, the City of Cambridge will repair sidewalks and make crosswalk accessibility upgrades.
• New Bus Stops, Everett: The City of Everett will construct four new bus stops (2nd St @ Spring St + 2nd St @ Revere St) for new Route 104 Service on 2nd St. Improvements include sidewalk repairs and a new fully accessible crosswalk across 2nd St. Construction will be completed in time for the stops to open on December 15.  
• Woodlawn, Everett: Two new bus shelters and accessible bus stops will support Frequent Route 110 and 111 service. The construction has begun and is anticipated to be completed in late November.
• Linden Square, Malden: We have added layover spaces and changed bus stops due to the Frequent Route 109 service. The bus stop pair serving Linden Square will be made fully accessible, with additional layover capacity for Route 109. Construction began on October 9.
• New Bus Stops, Malden: Two new stops are being constructed along the adjusted Route 104, which will serve Centre Street between Malden Center and Ferry Street in both directions. The construction of these new stops is happening now and they will open on December 15.

Learn About Phase 1

Throughout the months of November and December, there will be outreach events at stations for riders to learn more about Phase 1 service changes: 

• Malden Center: 11/18, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.; 11/20, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.; 11/21, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Wonderland: 11/18, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.; 11/20, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.; 11/22, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. 
• Maverick: 11/18, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.; 11/19, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.; 11/22, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. 
• Airport: 11/19, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.; 11/20, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.; 11/21, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. 
• Sullivan Square: 11/19; 7:30 – 9:30 a.m,; 11/21, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.; 11/22, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
• Harvard Station: 11/19, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.; 11/20 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.; 11/21 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

You can also stop by informational tables the team is holding at senior centers, community centers, and libraries throughout the Phase 1 service area.

• Allston/Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center: Wednesday, November 20, 11:00 AM – 1:00 p.m. 
  Allston-Brighton NOC, 640 Washington St. Ste 202/201 Brighton, MA 02135 
• Somerville East Branch Library: Thursday, November 21, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  Somerville Public Library East Branch, 115 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145   

Please visit MBTA.com/events to get the latest information, and please keep in mind that events may be rescheduled due to weather or other circumstances. 

Bus Network Redesign team members will also be visiting stops in the Phase 1 area as well as riding on-board affected bus routes (86, 104, and 107) so if you see them during your travels, please say hello and talk with them about Phase 1 service.

Before the launch of Phase 1 changes on December 15, the MBTA Trip Planner will be updated to reflect the new service.

-MBTA