Improving local and regional transit services
More reliable bus, train, ferry, and shuttle networks.
The Transportation Department established its first ever Transit Team in 2019. The team is installing transit priority interventions on the busiest corridors. They're working to advance regional rail projects.
Below, projects that are "in implementation" are linked to their respective web-pages. Projects that are "in design" or "not yet started" are linked to their Go Boston 2030 Report pages.
Projects
Forest Hills to Roslindale Square Rapid Bus
In Implementation
We are currently working on a maintenance program which will replace outdated and faded signage, improve existing lane markings, and potentially expand the bus lane in key areas.
Oak Square to Commonwealth Rapid Bus
In Implementation
We finalized the Route 57 Transit Priority Plan, which includes new bus lanes, changes to bus stops, and improvements to traffic operations . We are working on extending sidewalks to create bus bulbs and reduce crossing distances at bus stops.
Fair MBTA fare policy and extended service hours
In implementation
Three free-fare routes (Routes 23, 28, and 29) were launched in 2022 and extended until March 2026. We are supporting potential night bus service initiatives.
Consolidated Smart Shuttle System
In implementation
We have allocated funding to the Mission Hill shuttle service and have received federal funding to launch new Link Bus routes in six neighborhoods including on-demand service in Mattapan and Grove Hall.
Green Line improvements
In implementation
The MBTA completed track and intersection upgrades for the B, C, and E branches, and are continuing to make upgrades to meet a completion goal of June 2025.
Nubian Square Transit Hub
In implementation
Our Nubian Square redesign continues to be in construction, now focusing on improving public spaces outside of the station.
Sullivan Square Enhanced Transit Hub
In implementation
We have convened a Sullivan Square regional planning group with participation from Boston, Everett, Somerville, Cambridge, MassDOT, MBTA, and the Gaming Commission to coordinate the ongoing redesign of roadway and bridges in the area.
Inner Harbor ferry expansion
In implementation
Ferry Service launched from the Seaport to Lovejoy Wharf and Lewis Mall Wharf in East Boston Fall 2021.
Orange Line and Red Line service improvements
In implementation
Signal and fleet improvements are ongoing to increase frequency, reduce travel times, and address crowding. Trains with new cars are gradually being introduced.
Improved Silver Line: Nubian to Downtown
In implementation
New bus lanes were installed from Herald Street to Temple Place in downtown.
Restructure all bus routes
In design
Implementation of the newly approved Bus Network Redesign is set to begin in December 2024.
Bus service reliability improvements
In Implementation
The City’s Transit Team worked to install several new bus lane corridors and make improvements to routing, access, speed, and reliability along key routes.
Fairmount Line service improvements
In Implementation
The MBTA increased frequency on the Fairmount line to run every 30 minutes on weekdays. They have future plans to electrify service and run trains as frequent as every 20 minutes in the near future.
Mattapan to LMA Rapid Bus
In Implementation
2021 saw the region’s first center-running bus lanes on Columbus Avenue. The newly announced Blue Hill Avenue Transportation Action Plan includes plans for center-running bus lanes from Mattapan to Warren Street in Roxbury.
West Station Transit Hub
IN PLANNING
We have received funding through the federal Reconnecting Communities program for rebuilding the Allston/I-90 Interchange, which would include a new intermodal hub at West Station.
South Station Expansion
In design
Construction began on the South Station Transportation Center as part of the South Station Air Rights Project. New tracks are in design.
North Station to South Boston Waterfront Rapid Bus
In design
We have begun initial work on the corridor based on community engagement feedback and are continuing into route alignments and station designs.
Massachusetts Avenue Rapid Bus
IN IMPLEMENTATION
We are working to make improvements to the separated bike lanes, curb ramps, and bus islands installed by the City of Cambridge. Bus lanes in the Back Bay section are in planning.
LMA to JFK Rapid Bus via Nubian and Uphams
IN PLANNING
We have won a grant for the Malcolm X Boulevard section of the corridor and are working to improve access to JFK/UMass Station.
Fairmount Line Urban Rail
IN DESIGN
We launched a pilot of increased service which was made permanent in 2022. The pilot led to weekday frequencies of every 30 minutes, with plans to increase frequencies to every 20 minutes in the near future.
Seaport to Dorchester / Widett Urban Rail
Not yet started
Track 61could be used to create new connections from Dorchester at Newmarket to the Seaport.
Silver Line Terminals at Downtown Crossing and South Station
IN DESIGN
We are designing a new downtown route with a relocated terminal to improve transfers to the Orange and Red lines, until a full connection between the Washington Street and waterfront Silver Lines is complete.
Green Line Extension to Hyde Square
IN PLANNING
The MBTA is currently implementing accessibility so as not to preclude a southern Green Line extension.
Longwood Transit Hub
Not yet started
A transit hub on Longwood Avenue would serve the Longwood Medical Area improve access to jobs and services and help alleviate congestion.
Urban Rail Extension to Roslindale Square
Not yet started
The corridor is currently seeing the installation of a new commuter rail station at Millenium Park and is also being evaluated as part of the Southwest Boston Transportation Action Plan.
Climate protection for vulnerable MBTA stations
IN IMPLEMENTATION
The MBTA completed vulnerability and flood risk assessments of all rapid transit lines and established a new office focused on climate and resilience.
I-90 Newton Urban Rail
Not yet started
Future subway-like service along the Mass Pike from Newton to South Station will incentivize transit use and ease congestion.
West Station Rapid Bus to LMA, Kendall, and Harvard Square
IN PLANNING
We are planning a reconstruction of the Allston/I-90 Interchange, including a new intermodal hub at West Station, and access improvements to nearby waterfront parks.