MBTA outlines bus network redesign; commission approves Pearl Street curb extension and Broadway/4 berth adjustment
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Summary
The MBTA presented its bus network redesign and Chelsea stop proposals; the commission approved a curb extension at Pearl & Essex and adjustments to the Broadway & Fourth bus berth and tabled a proposed Chelsea Busway turnaround that would affect Cottage Street.
The MBTA presented its bus network redesign package and sought the commission’s approval for three stop changes in Chelsea. Tom Guadramani, MBTA project manager, described the redesign’s aims and specific requests for Chelsea.
"The bus network redesign is a program where the MBTA is trying to put out 25% more service onto the roads," Guadramani said, describing goals to increase the number of frequent routes and improve connections to job centers such as Assembly Row. He summarized phase 1 outcomes and introduced a package affecting Routes 112, 113 and 114 and related stop infrastructure.
Guadramani said Route 104 — recently rerouted through Chelsea — is carrying about 1,300 weekday boardings, roughly 1,000 on Saturday and about 800 on Sunday. The MBTA described the 113 as a new route designed to provide an east–west connection and to link Chelsea riders directly to more regional transit connections; the 112 will run longer hours than the current 114. The MBTA noted that some routes in the package will run at 50–60 minute frequencies rather than 15‑minute frequent‑route service.
MBTA staff asked for commission approval of three items: (1) a curb extension and landing pad near Pearl & Essex to provide the 3–4 feet of clear space required for wheelchair access; (2) moving the bus stop sign and adjusting bus berth layout at Broadway and Fourth so two buses can service the stop without blocking a crosswalk; and (3) a concept to use the eastern end of the Chelsea Busway for the new Route 113 turnaround, which would require coordination with Massport and the private parking‑garage owner and could require Cottage Street to operate one‑way if an easement solution is unavailable.
Commissioners discussed frequencies, transfers for cash‑paying riders, bus stop failure (instances when more buses arrive than the stop can hold) and temporary versus permanent accommodations. Guadramani said the Pearl Street improvement could be implemented by August 2026 and that the Broadway/Fourth design is at 75% and coordinated with the city’s Downtown Broadway plans.
The commission voted to approve the Pearl Street curb extension and the Broadway & Fourth berth adjustment as presented in the packet and to table further action on the Cottage Street / busway plan pending MBTA coordination with Massport and the property owner. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records "Aye" votes for the motion to approve the first two items and table the third.
MBTA representatives said they will return with refined designs and additional stop proposals at future meetings.