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Better Bus Project

Bus driving down clear path in the designated bus lane, between two tall buildings

Phase 1 Service Changes

The first phase of Bus Network Redesign service changes will begin on December 15, 2024 with six routes in Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, Somerville, Cambridge, Allston, Brighton, and East Boston. 

Learn more about Phase 1 service changes

We’re improving our bus system to deliver better service in the Greater Boston area. Buses carry 40% of our ridership, with nearly 300,000 passenger trips every weekday. Our improvement plans include increased service, dedicated bus lanes, and modernized facilities.

The Better Bus Project has four key goals:

  1. The bus is an easy first choice for more riders.
  2. Buses go when and where people need them.
  3. Riding the bus is a reliable experience.
  4. Bus stops are comfortable, accessible, and safe.

To learn more, jump to the relevant section below:

Better Bus Initiatives

We’re partnering with departments across the MBTA, over 50 municipalities, and MassDOT to plan, invest in, and implement major improvements to of our bus system. This includes updating bus routes, enhancing bus stops, installing bus lanes and transit priority measures, electrifying the fleet of approximately 1,000 buses, modernizing maintenance facilities, and more.

You told us what needs to be improved, and we heard you. The following Better Bus initiatives address areas that emerged from community feedback:

Each initiative area is designed to address different areas of the bus system and tackle the projects that will transform our service. Learn more about these projects at the links below.

Bus Service

We’re transforming our bus network with updated routes, more frequent service, and better transfer connections.

ProjectStatus
ProjectBus Network Redesign, Phase 1StatusStarting December 15, 2024
ProjectEarly Morning and Late Night Bus ServiceStatusCompleted (2020)
ProjectBus Route ChangesStatusCompleted (December 2019)
ProjectBus Route ChangesStatusCompleted (September 2019)

Transit Priority Infrastructure

We’re partnering with municipalities to redesign key streets in Greater Boston to help buses move faster and more reliably across our region.

ProjectStatus
ProjectTransit Priority StrategyStatusIn progress
ProjectTransit Priority ProjectsStatusIn progress
ProjectBlue Hill AvenueStatusIn progress
ProjectColumbus/Tremont, Phase 2StatusIn progress
ProjectColumbus Avenue Bus Lanes, Phase 1StatusCompleted (2021)

Bus Stop Enhancements

We’re improving bus stops across the network to make them more accessible, safe, and comfortable for riders.

ProjectStatus
ProjectBus Stop E-Ink SignsStatusIn progress
ProjectBus Stop Accessibility ImprovementsStatusIn progress

Bus Facilities and Operations

From electrifying our bus fleet to upgrading our maintenance facilities, we’re investing in a modern and sustainable system that will keep our riders moving.

ProjectStatus
ProjectBus Facility ModernizationStatusIn progress
ProjectBus ElectrificationStatusIn progress

Community Updates

Feedback from riders is crucial to improving the bus system. We received over 20,000 community comments during the Bus Network Redesign process and continue to host in-person and virtual activities as we roll out service changes.

Better Bus Updates Archive

Building a Better T

As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.

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Past Events

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Contact Us

For all questions and comments related to Better Bus Project, please contact us at betterbusproject@mbta.com.

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Better Bus Project Updates

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Related Projects

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Building a Better T

As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.

Learn more

Better Bus Project Updates

View all project updates

Related Projects

Learn more