MBTA Fall Service Changes Introduce New Routing for Route 66 through Harvard Bus Tunnel

Service change aligns with broader Bus Network Redesign Phase 1, set to launch December 15, 2024, enhancing rider experience and connectivity.

As part of the Fall 2024 service changes that went into effect August 25, the MBTA introduced major updates to Route 66 with new routing through the Harvard Bus Tunnel, new stops, and layover location. These changes were made possible through collaboration with the City of Cambridge and are part of the MBTA’s ongoing effort to improve bus service and align service with the upcoming Bus Network Redesign Phase 1, set to launch in December 2024.

“The MBTA is delivering on its promise to update bus routes to better match service to where people live, work, learn, and play, and to offer its riders the best amenities possible,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “The improvements to the Route 66 bus showcase how the experience of traveling by bus can be improved when the MBTA works collaboratively with municipalities like Cambridge to consider, design, and implement changes.”

“This bus stop move is a big improvement for the Route 66, which is one of the busiest routes in the bus network serving thousands of riders,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Route 66 riders heading to Harvard Square will now disembark directly in the Harvard Bus Tunnel instead of at the street level, allowing better access to the Red Line and other Harvard bus routes as well as sheltering riders from challenging weather. I thank the MBTA's Service Planning team for implementing this meaningful change for our riders and the City of Cambridge for partnering with us on this improvement.”

Reasons for the Changes

Improved rider experience: The new routing offers a better connection to the Red Line and multiple bus routes for riders traveling from Allston and Roxbury, offering a more seamless transit experience.
Weather protection: The use of the Harvard Bus Tunnel offers riders a sheltered area, providing protection from inclement weather for exiting or transferring riders.
Shorter travel time and reliability: The Harvard Bus Tunnel offers riders a faster and more reliable trip experience by avoiding surface congestion and signalized intersections in the outbound direction.

Key Route 66 Enhancements Effective August 25, 2024

New routing and stops: Harvard-bound Route 66 buses will no longer serve the stop at JFK at Eliot Street. Instead, they will serve the stop at 16 Eliot Street, allowing the bus to follow Route 86 into the Harvard Bus Tunnel. Nubian-bound buses will continue to serve stops as before.
Stop discontinuation: The updated Route 66 will no longer stop at Massachusetts Avenue and Johnston Gate, the former terminus in the Harvard-bound direction. However, Routes 68 and 69 will continue to serve this stop.
Harvard Bus Tunnel as final stop: The Harvard Bus Tunnel is now the last stop for Route 66.

Inbound Route 66 will continue to serve surface stops at Dawes Island and Eliot Street, as this change is in the Harvard-bound direction only.

These changes are part of the broader Bus Network Redesign, aimed at optimizing bus routes to meet the evolving needs of our riders. Additionally, Route 66 will offer enhanced connectivity with Route 109, which will be extended past Sullivan Square to Harvard Square as part of the December 2024 service updates.

Riders can find more information on service changes at mbta.com/servicechanges.

The Bus Network Redesign Phase 1 Service Changes will bring improvements for riders. Phase 1, beginning December 15, 2024, includes changes to six bus routes: 86, 104, 109, 110, 116, and 117, serving the communities of Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, Somerville, Cambridge, and East Boston.