REMINDER: Phase 1 of Bus Network Redesign Launches this Sunday, December 15, Bringing More Frequent Service and Better Routes

Phase 1 will affect six bus routes where service will increase by 60%. Four Frequent Bus Routes will operate every 15 minutes or better. MBTA staff will be at key bus stops and stations through December 20 to assist riders with information and support.

This notice serves as a reminder of the previously announced launch of Phase 1 of Bus Network Redesign.

The MBTA is reminding riders that Phase 1 of Bus Network Redesign (BNR) will launch this Sunday, December 15, and will change bus routes 104, 109, 86, 116, 117, and 110. The MBTA’s Bus Network Redesign is a major initiative of the Better Bus Project aimed at improving bus service reliability, frequency, and connectivity throughout the region. Phase 1 introduces significant service changes to six bus routes serving the communities of Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, Somerville, Cambridge, Allston, Brighton, and East Boston. The Phase 1 changes will increase service by 60% on these routes and establish several Frequent Bus Routes, which will operate every 15 minutes or less. These changes add a new one-seat bus ride from Malden and Everett to Airport and a new direct connection to the Red and Green Lines.  Riders can find complete information on these service upgrades at mbta.com/Phase1.

“I thank our municipal partners and elected officials as we launch Phase 1 of our Bus Network Redesign, improving community connectivity as well as increasing bus service and frequency for the public that we serve. With robust public engagement, we were able to deliver meaningful changes shaped by rider input to improve service and travel times,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We will continue to support riders as they experience the new schedules, stops, and service. We remain committed to delivering safe and reliable service to the communities we serve.”

Phase 1 is launching four new Frequent Bus Routes with increased service on Route 86, Route 104, Route 109, Route 110, and Route 116/117. The new Frequent Routes (104, 109, 110, and 116) will operate every 15 minutes or better offering riders consistent service. To support the routes, the MBTA has improved signage, installed easier-to-read bus stop signs at 330 locations, and undertaken additional improvements. Capital projects to support the program include bus stop location changes, new transfer locations, more space for layover areas, better and safer stops, and bus lanes to keep buses from being struck in traffic. These changes have been undertaken with the MBTA’s community and municipal partners.

The MBTA has visited every route and community to provide riders with information about the launch of Phase 1 service. Staff have visited community events, participated in Open Houses, and talked to thousands of riders at bus stops, on buses, and while handing out flyers and information in 10 languages. They also visited community centers and churches to provide information to the public. The outreach team distributed booklets to riders who requested details in hand and directed people to new Blue timetables (found at stations and on-board Phase 1 buses), and the BNR Phase 1 website for more information.

Bus Schedules Available

Schedules for bus service effective December 15 are now available for download. View the brochures below to learn the weekday and weekend service details for Phase 1 routes:

• Route 86
• Route 104
• Route 109
• Route 110
• Route 116/117

Additionally, the MBTA Trip Planner is updated with Phase 1 service schedules. Riders preparing for trips on or after December 15 will be able to plan their bus trips on Phase 1 routes with the latest information.

Phase 1 Materials Are Available in Multiple Languages

The Phase 1 Rider Booklet is available in multiple languages here. The graphic booklet describes why and how routes are changing and improving. It includes easy to read route maps and schedules.

For printable information about the upcoming service changes, riders can download the Phase 1 flyer in a preferred language:

• English
• Arabic | العربية
• Khmer | ខ្មែរ
• Simplified Chinese | 汉语
• Haitian Creole | Kreyòl Ayisyen
• Italian | Italiano
• Portuguese | Português
• Spanish | Español
• Russian | Русский
• Vietnamese | Tiếng Việt

A Community Toolkit is available for download for organizations and communities interested in sharing information with their members, residents, or businesses. The toolkit contains social media content, project flyers, rider booklets, and a presentation.

Sign up for T-Alerts

Visit the T-Alerts website to subscribe to text or email alerts for service changes and visit the Bus Alerts page to see the upcoming service changes related to Phase 1. 

Stay Connected

To stay informed about the progress of the Better Bus Project and its initiatives in the meantime, visit mbta.com/BetterBus and sign up for emails here. To learn more about Bus Network Redesign, please visit mbta.com/BNR.

More Information