MBTA Commemorates Phase One of the Bus Network Redesign

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) hosted a Route 104 ride along today to celebrate the launch of the Bus Network Redesign (BNR) Phase One, which officially went into effect December 15. 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. 

Bus Route 104 was one of five key bus routes enhanced during Phase One of the redesign. All changes are leading to a 60% increase in service frequency. Four of the routes are Frequent Bus Routes, including the 104, meaning they will operate every 15 minutes or faster, all day, every day, benefiting communities across Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, Somerville, Cambridge, Allston, Brighton, and East Boston. 

“The launch of Bus Network Redesign demonstrates that we continue to make progress in creating a transportation system that is safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll have challenged all public transportation operators to improve service, expand routes, and take steps to help everyone travel more efficiently, and the MBTA is delivering. More frequent bus service makes taking public transportation easier than driving and encourages people to use the bus more often.” 

"Bus Network Redesign was the result of dedication and communication from our MBTA’s BNR team, supporting T departments, and our community and municipal partners, who have worked with a shared goal to improve connectivity and service.  Our bus network is a key component of our system and with the leadership of Governor Healey and the support of the Legislature, we are rebuilding our workforce allowing us to restore and enhance bus service. As part of this initial launch, we’re working hard to inform riders of the improvements coming from these changes.  I thank our staff and the many volunteers that have devoted time to meeting directly with riders to prepare for this launch,” said General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Boston communities and surrounding cities deserve more reliable and accessible transportation, and we are committed to deliver that for them.” 

“I want to thank General Manager Eng and his team, as well as the elected officials and advocates, for this newly designed bus route,” said Massport CEO Rich Davey. “Nearly 2,000 Logan employees live within walking distance of this new route. With direct access to Airport Station, it’s a terrific opportunity for those folks to have an easier commute, as well as airline passengers who live nearby. I look forward to working with General Manager Eng on even more projects in the future.” 

MBTA officials, state and municipal leaders, and other supporters of the Bus Network Redesign marked the launch by riding the Route 104 route from 2nd Street to Airport Station and connecting with riders. They rode along a portion of new bus lanes on 2nd Street that support the 104’s Frequent Bus Route. This Route is the first local MBTA bus route making regular stops at Airport Station, and it fills in a missing link in today’s bus network, connecting Everett and Malden riders to the Blue Line and Airport Station. Route 104 previously ended in Sullivan Square.  

MBTA staff will continue to be available at key bus stops through December 20 to assist riders with the bus route changes and answer questions.  

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. 

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