MBTA Changes Proposed Bus Routes In Arlington

ARLINGTON, MA — On Thursday, the MBTA released a revised Bus Network Map, which was developed based on feedback received on the Draft Bus Network Map released in May.

The changes are part of the Better Bus Project, the MBTA’s proposal to update the bus system to meet the changing needs of the Greater Boston area due to shifting demographics, emerging employment districts, increasing traffic congestion, and changing travel patterns, according to the MBTA’s website.

“We listened to our riders during the public feedback process, and we’re excited to today share the revised and redesigned bus network map that incorporates and reflects the many thousands of comments we received,” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said in a statement. “This new and revised bus network continues to represent bold improvements to the MBTA bus system, and provides more equitable service to our current and future riders.”

The MBTA said over 20,000 comments were received on the Draft Bus Network Map and changes were made to 85 of the 133 proposed bus routes for five primary reasons: to respond to feedback, improve access to hospitals and senior centers, to reduce walking distances in certain areas, to preserve existing one-seat rides, and to balance resources.

The Revised Bus Network continues to increase service by 25 percent across the system and doubles the number of high frequency corridors, or those in which buses arrive every 15 minutes or less.

Here’s how the revised Bus Network Map affects Arlington commuters:

For those traveling from Arlington, proposed changes in the May draft included the extension of Route 90 and the addition of the new 54 bus route with weekend services.

According to the revised proposal, Route 90 has been rerouted to provide Green Line connection at East Somerville Station and the frequency has increased. The bus will now arrive at least every 20 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and at least every 30 minutes from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. seven days per week.

In addition, the 54 bus route has been rerouted via Pleasant St. rather than Waverly St. in Belmont and changed to end at Waltham Center. The frequency has also been modified, with buses arriving at least every 60 minutes from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and at least every 90 minutes from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days per week.

Route 80 from Burlington to Davis via Woburn, Arlington, and Medford Hillside has added new service in place of the proposed Route 350 and will serve the Burlington Mall. Route 80 service has also been restored from Arlington to Davis Sq. via Boston Ave. and extended until 1 a.m.

A complete list and description of bus route changes is available at mbta.com/BNRD.

Next steps for the Better Bus Project include a a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m., the completion of the Equity Analysis of the Revised Bus Network by December, and a public meeting to discuss the Revised Bus Network Equity Analysis to be held this winter.