MBTA Changes Proposed Bus Routes In Brookline

BROOKLINE, 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 Brookline commuters:

The MBTA proposed to upgrade the 65 bus with what it is calling the T15, which initially was expected to run from Oak Square to Kane Square via the Longwood Medical Area (LMA) every day between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., with service every 15 minutes or better.

According to the Revised Bus Network, the T15 bus route will now end at Ruggles instead of Oak Square and the 65 bus route will provide a connection from Ruggles to Brighton.

Service will continue on the 66 bus route, dubbed the T66, which is proposed to be rerouted for more direct connections in the LMA. No changes have been made to this route since the draft proposal.

The draft proposal also proposed a new route, the T12, to take riders from Brookline Village to the Seaport in a one-seat ride via LMA and Andrew Square.

The revised proposal reroutes the T12 via Mass Ave, Washington St., and Nubian Sq. for better access to Boston Medical Center and to provide an additional connection from Nubian Sq. to Boston Medical Center. The bus will also connect to the Orange Line at Roxbury Crossing instead of Ruggles. The T47 bus route will provide transportation from LMA to Ruggles.

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.