PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION Announces improvements to HEAVILY USED bus route 28

Boston, MA -- As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to strengthening public transit in the Roxbury-Dorchester-Mattapan neighborhoods of Boston, the MBTA today announced a multifaceted initiative to make transit improvements along the Bus Route 28 corridor, extending from Mattapan Square to Ruggles station.

“We owe it to those who depend on the T the most to do everything we can to improve service and reliability along their routes,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “We are bringing the benefits of transportation reform – convenience, cost-effectiveness and a focus on the customer – directly to commuters in these communities.”

As part of the first stage of the initiative and in response to high ridership and overcrowding on what is the fifth busiest bus route in the system, the MBTA will roll out 25 brand new hybrid 60 foot buses on Route 28 beginning Saturday, June 26. The longer buses, made possible as part of the T’s $30.7 million investment in ARRA stimulus funds to purchase new hybrid buses, have approximately 50% more seats, and are hybrid electric powered, resulting in cleaner exhaust, quieter engines, and improved fuel economy. A three door feature will allow customers to board and depart easier and quicker.

“Throughout the state we are making improvements to bus service to strengthen public transit for those who depend on it to get to work, school or a doctor’s appointment,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan.

Effective Saturday, June 26, the entire Route 28 bus fleet, including 15 40’ buses, will be replaced with brand new 60’ vehicles. The current bus operating schedule along this route will remain unchanged. To enable the longer buses to fully pull up to the curb, many bus stops along the route will be lengthened. At some bus stops, this may result in the temporary removal of approximately 1 -2 automobile parking spaces.

“This is all about listening to our customers. These are state-of-the-art buses that will address the overcrowding that customers have been enduring for years,” said General Manager Davey. “More seats means less passenger crowding and greater carrying capacity. Everyone deserves accessible, reliable, and comfortable public transportation.”

Several other projects underway will also have a positive impact to transit throughout the Route 28 corridor:

This summer MassDOT and the MBTA will begin a Roxbury-Dorchester-Mattapan Transit needs study that will identify short and long term opportunities to improve transit service in the study area.
The MBTA’s Key bus route program will be implementing improvements along the Route 28 corridor. Enhancements will include stop consolidation, new shelters, traffic signal priority, and queue jump lanes. First phase of these improvements to begin by Fall 2010.
Station improvements at Dudley and Mattapan Square will occur early next year.

For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog: www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.