Bus Network Redesign
- Timeline: 2018 – 2028
- Status: Planning
Greater Boston has changed significantly in recent years, with shifting demographics, emerging employment districts, increasing traffic congestion, and changing travel patterns.
The Bus Network Redesign completely reimagines the MBTA’s bus network to reflect these changes and create a better experience for current and future bus riders.
Rider Benefits
- 25% more bus service
- 95,000 residents of color and 29,000 low-income households gain access to high-frequency service
What's Happening Now
On November 17, 2022, the MBTA Board approved the revised Bus Network Redesign map. Download the pdf below to see how your existing route will change under the new network.
Final Report
The Bus Network Redesign final report summarizes the final proposal and describes the planning process. It includes:
- The motivation for redesigning the bus network
- Goals and service design principles
- Methodology for service design
- Our extensive and intentional outreach efforts
- The new bus network and its benefits
- Details about implementation
An executive summary of the report is available below in English and Spanish.
Title VI Equity Analysis of Revised Bus Network
On December 15, 2022, the MBTA Board formally accepted the results of the Title VI Fare and Service Equity analyses.
The Bus Network Redesign has aimed to advance equity from the start, by using data to bring bus service to the riders who depend on it most: low-income riders and riders of color, those without easy access to a vehicle, seniors, and riders with a disability.
After the MBTA Board of Directors approved the Revised Bus Network Redesign Proposal in November, we completed a Service and Fare Equity Analysis of the final proposal. The proposal was evaluated using the MBTA’s Disparate Impact/Disproportionate Burden (DI/DB) Policy. The Central Transportation Planning Staff performed the technical analysis.
The analysis finds no major Title VI concerns and confirms the Redesign’s primary goal to advance equity and bring bus service to people who depend on it.
Read the Title VI Equity Analysis of the Bus Network Redesign
Project Timeline
2021–2023: Planning
- Summer/Fall 2021: We talked to riders about what they wanted to see in a new network. Then, we created an online survey to gather input on our metrics and priorities. Based on that feedback, we developed a proposal for a new bus network.
- Spring/Summer 2022: We shared our proposal for a new network and gathered public feedback on it in May, June, and July.
- Fall 2022: We incorporated feedback into a revised network map and shared with the public.
- Winter 2022: The MBTA Board of Directors approved the final proposal and accepted the Title VI Equity analyses as a major service change.
- Spring 2023: We published a final report summarizing the final proposal and the planning process.
2023–2028: Implementation
The new network will be implemented in several phases. New route rollout will start in summer 2023, pending bus operator headcount.
We plan to add service over time as we are able to hire more bus operators and modernize roadways, MBTA facilities, and our bus fleet.
Past Events
Presentations to the Board
Looking to learn more? You can view our presentations to the MBTA Board of Directors and the Fiscal Management and Control Board for more details about the Bus Network Redesign.
Contact
For other questions and comments related to Bus Network Redesign, please contact us at BetterBusProject@mbta.com.
For more information
Sign up for email updates, and check back here for opportunities to share your input with the Bus Network Redesign Team.
