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MBTA unveils 11 targeted updates to Better Bus Network, opens public comment through Aug. 5
Summary
MBTA presenters outlined 11 proposed amendments to the Better Bus Network intended to preserve front‑door access for riders with limited mobility and restore service where the original plan would reduce it, and invited public feedback through August 5 with route‑level breakout sessions this summer.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) on a virtual public meeting described 11 proposed amendments to its Better Bus Network (BNR) plan and opened a public comment period that closes Aug. 5. MBTA officials said the changes are intended to be modest adjustments to address implementation lessons and local access concerns while keeping the plan’s overall goals in place.
"The bus network redesign plan was adopted by our Board of Directors in November 2022," said Becca Wolfson, director of the Better Bus Network, who described the set of proposals as a living plan and said the package now being discussed represents an approximately 1 to 2% alteration of the adopted plan. The agency emphasized resource limits and said approved changes would be implemented as training, equipment and other resources become available.
Why it matters: MBTA staff said the proposed amendments fall into two categories: preserve front‑door access for riders with limited mobility (for example, changes intended to preserve close pick‑up and drop‑off at senior housing), and reverse service reductions that would leave neighborhoods unserved. Preserving those connections, MBTA officials said, is an equity priority because many riders affected by the changes are low‑income or people of color.
MBTA staff outlined examples across the region: restoring service to Danvers Square by reintroducing a revised Route 465 and returning Route 435 to its pre‑pandemic alignment; a three‑option package for Medford that weighs extending Route 80, retaining Route 94, or rerouting Route 96 to better serve Boston Ave.; proposals to retain service to Point Shirley in Winthrop; and a set of smaller restorations or preserved hours on routes including 44, 18, 504, 43, 202 and 85. For riders with limited mobility, MBTA said it is proposing to maintain or restore close stop access in selected locations such as Jack Satterhouse senior housing and add service on Route 118 for McCormick Housing in South Boston.
Public process and next steps: MBTA briefed its Board in March to begin public engagement on these amendments, will collect comments through Aug. 5 (via the meeting survey, email betterbusproject@mbta.com, mail and a set of planned in‑person events), and plans to present a final package — together with a disparate‑impact analysis — to the MBTA Board of Directors for approval by the end of the year. Organizers also are holding geographic breakout rooms and station/pop‑up outreach so riders can comment on route‑level details.
What officials said: "We want to hear from you how we can best serve you and your community," Katie Clandriello, the MBTA community engagement specialist on the Bus Transformation team, told attendees. Officials encouraged attendees to use the survey and breakout rooms to give specific routing feedback that will inform final recommendations.
What was not decided: MBTA repeatedly stressed that these are proposals for public comment. No Board vote took place at the meeting and MBTA said final approval of any change will require Board action and will be implemented only as resources and training permit.
The MBTA will publish meeting notes and incorporate breakout room summaries into the written record; the agency said recordings of breakout rooms will be used for note taking and will not be posted as part of the public meeting recording.
