MBTA Changes Proposed Bus Routes In Newton, Waltham

NEWTON, 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 Newton and Waltham commuters:

For those traveling from Newton and Waltham, proposed changes initially included more frequent runs for the 70 bus, an extension of 61 bus route, and the addition of the new 54 and 53 bus routes with weekend services.

The revised map now replaces the proposed Route 70 with routes 56 and 58 for Market Place Drive to Waltham Center service. In addition, the 61 bus route now ends at North Waltham (Market Place Drive via Second Ave. and Bear Hill Rd.).

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.

The 53 bus route has been extended to Children's Hospital at Waltham and Newton/Wellesley Hospital and rerouted to Market Place Dr. instead of Waltham Center.

The 52 bus route from VA Hospital West Roxbury to Watertown Yard via Newton Center has been changed to weekday service only.

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.