Significant MBTA Bus Route Changes Take Effect in Greater Boston Area
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has begun the first phase of its bus route redesign, which took effect on Sunday, Dec. 15. The project aims to improve efficiency and frequency on six bus routes in the areas of East Boston, Chelsea, Somerville, Everett, Malden, Cambridge, Allston, and Brighton.
Routes affected by these service changes include the following:
- Route 86
- Route 104
- Route 109
- Route 110
- Route 116
- Route 117
Routes 104, 109, 110, and 116 will be designated “Frequent Bus Routes,” with bus arrivals every 15 minutes during regular service hours. The MBTA will also offer new connections to the Red, Orange, Green, and Blue lines, and Logan International Airport.
Routes 86 and 117 will undergo the following changes:
Route 86
Route 86, which runs from Reservoir to Harvard Square, will operate more frequently during the midday, evening, and weekend hours. While the revamped route will no longer continue to Sullivan, passengers can transfer at Harvard Square toward Sullivan in the Upper Busway and transfer to Reservoir at street level at Eliot and Bennett streets.
Route 117
The MBTA is discontinuing this route. Passengers can take an alternative route from Central Avenue and Beach Street on Route 110, then transfer to Route 116 at Broadway at Park Avenue in Revere or Wonderland.
Read more about phase 1 of the MBTA route redesign on the MBTA’s website.