MBTA Changes Proposed Bus Routes In Medford

MEDFORD, 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 Medford commuters:

For those traveling from Medford, Route T96 from Malden Center to Union Sq via Medford Sq, Medford Hillside, and Davis Sq. has been rerouted to High St., Winthrop St., and George St. and extended to Union Sq. via Elm St.

Route 94 has been removed from the proposal. Alternate service will be available via Routes 80, 134, 354.

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.

Route 134 from North Woburn to Wellington via Medford Sq. has restored the North Woburn to Wellington route and rerouted via Locust St. and Mystic Valley Pkwy. Service has also been extended until 1 a.m.

Route 354 from North Burlington to State St. in Boston has restored its express service from Burlington and Woburn to downtown Boston via Medford Sq. and I-93 and rerouted to Cummins Center via Washington St. and Salem St. in Woburn on reverse-peak direction trips.

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.