MBTA Changes Proposed Bus Routes In Somerville

SOMERVILLE, 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 Somerville commuters:

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

According to the Revised Bus Network, Route T39 will return to its existing route to Copley and Route T47 has been restored to connect to Cambridge and Somerville.

There have been no changes to Route 7 since the draft proposal. That route will extend 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 will improve to all-day high frequency service and add a new Sunday service.

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.