How The MBTA's New Proposed Bus Network Affects Somerville

SOMERVILLE, MA — On Monday, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) released a map of its new proposed bus network, which prioritizes equity, increases frequency in busy neighborhoods, improves all-day service, creates new connections, and simplifies the network.

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.

For those traveling from Somerville, proposed changes include the replacement of Route 39 with T39 and the extension of Route 7.

According to the MBTA's proposal, Route T39 would extend from Forest Hills to Brigham Circle, Central Square, Union Square, and Porter, replacing parts of Routes 47, 87, and 91. It would not go to Copley but still retain an accessible transfer location to Green Line E at Brigham Circle.

Route 7 would extends to connect South Station to North Station to Sullivan, adding Orange, Green, and Blue Line access and replacing Routes 4 and 93. In addition, it would improve to all-day high frequency service and add a new Sunday service.

The MBTA will open public comment on the bus network redesign proposal for the next three months. More information can be found here.