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Phase 1 Service Changes

The first phase of Bus Network Redesign service changes will begin on December 15, 2024 with six routes in Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, Somerville, Cambridge, Allston, Brighton, and East Boston. 

Here’s what to expect:

  • Service changes to six bus routes: Routes 86, 104, 109, 110, 116 and 117.
  • Routes 104, 109, 110, and 116 will become Frequent Bus Routes, increasing service to every 15 minutes or better during service hours every day.
  • New connections to the Red, Orange, Green, and Blue lines and Logan Airport.

Keep reading to learn more about each route.

Jump to a section:

Routes Map

map of bus service routes for Phase 1 of network redesign
Phase 1 service changes beginning December 15, 2024

Service Change Details

Exact service hours may change as more detailed schedules are made available closer to December.

Jump to specific routes:

Route 86: Reservoir – Harvard Square

Today, Route 86 runs from Reservoir through Cambridge to Sullivan.

Changes on December 15

  • Route 86 will run more frequently during midday, evenings, and weekends.
  • It will run from about 5 AM to 1 AM daily.
  • Route 86 will be shortened to run from Reservoir to Harvard in Cambridge. It will no longer continue to Sullivan.
  • Riders traveling from Harvard to Sullivan can use Route 109, which will replace Route 86 on this part of Washington Street.
    • Route 109 will be upgraded to a Frequent Bus Route, with service every 15 minutes or better.
    • Riders can transfer at Harvard towards Sullivan in the Upper Busway, and transfer towards Reservoir at street level at Eliot St and Bennett St.
A bus network map displaying routes, stops, and connections.
Route 86 map beginning December 15, 2024

Hours and Frequency Beginning December 15

DayNew service hours*New frequency*
DayWeekdayNew service hours*5 AM – 1 AMNew frequency*

Peak*: Buses arrive every 15 minutes.
Off-peak: Buses arrive every 20 minutes.

DaySaturdayNew service hours*5 AM – 1 AMNew frequency*Buses arrive every 25 minutes.
DaySundayNew service hours*6 AM – 1 AMNew frequency*Buses arrive every 25 minutes.

 *Hours and frequencies may shift as we publish detailed schedules in later fall 2024.

**In general, peak hours for bus service are weekdays, 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6:30 PM, but can vary by route. We'll publish detailed schedules in later fall 2024. Off-peak hours are all other hours. 

Route 104: Malden Center – Logan Airport

Today, Route 104 runs from Sullivan to Malden Center through Everett and Malden.

Changes on December 15

  • Service will increase to every 15 minutes or better every day during service hours as Route 104 is upgraded to a Frequent Bus Route.
  • Service will run from about 4:30 AM to 1:30 AM daily.
  • Route 104 will be rerouted to offer new, crosstown service between Malden and Logan Airport. It will follow the existing route from Malden Center to Everett Square. Instead of going south to Sullivan, it will go east to Airport.
  • Riders traveling to stops toward Sullivan beyond Everett Square can transfer to Route 109 at Broadway at Norwood St. Route 109 will also be upgraded to a Frequent Bus Route.
  • Riders traveling between Sullivan and Everett Square towards Malden Center can take Route 109 to Broadway at Everett Square and transfer to Route 104 towards Malden Center.
A bus network map displaying routes, stops, and connections
Route 104 map beginning December 15, 2024

Hours and Frequency Beginning December 15

DayNew service hours*New frequency*
DayWeekdayNew service hours*4:30 AM – 1:30 AMNew frequency*

Buses arrive every 15 minutes.

DaySaturdayNew service hours*4:30 AM – 1:30 AMNew frequency*Buses arrive every 15 minutes.
DaySundayNew service hours*4:30 AM – 1:30 AMNew frequency*Buses arrive every 15 minutes.

  *Hours and frequencies may shift as we publish detailed schedules in later fall 2024.

Route 109: Linden Square – Harvard Square

Today, Route 109 runs through Everett from Linden Square in Malden to Sullivan Square, mostly along Broadway.  

Changes on December 15

  • Service will increase to every 15 minutes or better every day during service hours as Route 109 is upgraded to a Frequent Bus Route.
  • Service will run from about 4:30 AM to 1:45 AM weekdays, and about 4:45 AM to 1:45 AM weekends.
  • It will continue to run from Linden Square to Sullivan Square, and will be extended past Sullivan to Harvard. This extension of Route 109 will replace the existing Route 86 on Washington Street between Sullivan Square and Harvard Square.
  • This extended route will provide a new direct connection from Everett to the Green Line in Somerville and the Red Line at Harvard Square.
A bus network map displaying routes, stops, and connections
Route 109 map beginning December 15, 2024

Hours and Frequency Beginning December 15

DayNew service hours*New frequency*
DayWeekdayNew service hours*4:30 AM – 1:45 AMNew frequency*

Peak**: Buses arrive every 10–15 minutes.
Off-peak: Buses arrive every 15 minutes.

DaySaturdayNew service hours*4:45 AM – 1:45 AMNew frequency*Buses arrive every 15 minutes.
DaySundayNew service hours*4:45 AM – 1:45 AMNew frequency*Buses arrive every 15 minutes.

 *Hours and frequencies may shift as we publish detailed schedules in later fall 2024.

**In general, peak hours for bus service are weekdays, 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6:30 PM, but can vary by route. We'll publish detailed schedules in later fall 2024. Off-peak hours are all other hours. 

Route 110: Wonderland Station – Wellington Station

Today, Route 110 offers crosstown bus service through Everett and Revere, running from Wellington to Wonderland via Broadway, Chelsea Street, Ferry Street, Elm Street, Park Avenue, Central Avenue, Beach Street, and North Shore Road.

Changes on December 15

  • Service will increase to every 15 minutes or better every day during service hours as Route 110 is upgraded to a Frequent Bus Route.
  • Service will run from about 5 AM to 1:30 AM daily.
  • All trips will serve Wellington to Wonderland.
  • Some bus stop locations in Revere Center will be modified.
A bus network map displaying routes, stops, and connections
Route 110 map beginning December 15, 2024

Hours and Frequency Beginning December 15

DayNew service hours*New frequency*
DayWeekdayNew service hours*5 AM – 1:30 AMNew frequency*

Buses arrive every 15 minutes.

DaySaturdayNew service hours*5 AM – 1:30 AMNew frequency*Buses arrive every 15 minutes.
DaySundayNew service hours*5 AM – 1:30 AMNew frequency*Buses arrive every 15 minutes.

 *Hours and frequencies may shift as we publish detailed schedules in later fall 2024. 

Routes 116 and 117: Wonderland Station – Maverick Station

Today, Route 116 provides service from Wonderland to Maverick via Revere Street, Broadway, Bellingham Sq, and Meridian St. Route 117 provides service from Wonderland to Maverick via Central Ave and Beach Street. Most of the route is the same as Route 116, except the final section on Beach Street near Wonderland.

Changes on December 15

  • Routes 116 and 117 will be combined into one route, which will follow the same route the 116 uses today between Wonderland and Maverick.
  • Route 116 will become a Frequent Bus Route, with service every 15 minutes or better during service hours.
  • Service will run from about 4:15 AM to 1:45 AM daily.
  • Route 117 will be discontinued. Riders on Central Ave and Beach St may use Route 110, transferring to 116 at Broadway at Park Ave in Revere or at Wonderland.
  • Riders traveling between Maverick and Revere Center looking to access stops on Central Ave and Beach St may use Route 116, transferring to Route 110 at Broadway at Central Ave.
A bus network map displaying routes, stops, and connections
Route 116 map beginning December 15, 2024

Hours and Frequency Beginning December 15

DayNew service hours*New frequency*
DayWeekdayNew service hours*4:15 AM – 1:45 AMNew frequency*

Peak**: Buses arrive every 10 minutes. 

Off-peak: Buses arrive every 10–15 minutes.

DaySaturdayNew service hours*4:15 AM – 1:45 AMNew frequency*Buses arrive every 15 minutes.
DaySundayNew service hours*4:15 AM – 1:45 AMNew frequency*Buses arrive every 15 minutes.

 *Hours and frequencies may shift as we publish detailed schedules in later fall 2024.

**In general, peak hours for bus service are weekdays, 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6:30 PM, but can vary by route. We'll publish detailed schedules in later fall 2024. Off-peak hours are all other hours. 

Community Engagement

We are doing community outreach in multiple formats.

Open House

We’re hosting the following open house events:

LocationDate
Location

East Boston:

East Boston High School (Small Cafeteria)

86 White St, East Boston, MA 02128

Date


Thursday, November 7

 5:30 PM – 7 PM

Learn more about this event

Pop-up Tabling

We are hosting informational tables about the December 15 service changes at the following locations:

LocationDate
Location

Malden Public Library

36 Salem Street, Malden, MA 02148

Date

Wednesday, November 13

2 PM – 4 PM

Location

East Boston Senior Center

7 Bayswater Street, Boston, MA 02128

Date

Thursday, November 14

11 AM – 1 PM

Location

Allston-Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center

640 Washington St. Ste 202/201 Brighton, MA 02135

Date

Wednesday, November 20 

11 AM – 1 PM  

Location

Somerville Public Library East Branch

115 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145

Date

Thursday, November 21

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Additional community events may be added. Check back here for updates.

Bus Stop Outreach

MBTA staff will be at the following bus stops throughout the fall to inform riders about Phase 1 changes:

Airport

  • Tuesday, November 19, 7:30 – 9:30 AM
  • Wednesday, November 20, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday, November 21, 12 – 2 PM

Harvard

  • Tuesday, November 19, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday, November 20, 12 – 2 PM
  • Thursday, November 21, 7:30 – 9:30 AM

Malden Center

  • Monday, November 18, 7:30 – 9:30 AM
  • Wednesday, November 20, 12 – 2 PM
  • Thursday, November 21, 3:30 – 5:30 PM

Maverick

  • Monday, November 18, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday, November 19, 12 – 2 PM
  • Friday, November 22, 7:30 – 9:30 AM

Sullivan Square

  • Tuesday, November 19, 7:30 – 9:30 AM
  • Thursday, November 21, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
  • Friday, November 22, 12 – 2 PM

Wonderland

  • Monday, November 18, 12 – 2 PM
  • Wednesday, November 20, 7:30 – 9:30 AM
  • Friday, November 22, 3:30 – 5:30 PM

Contact

If you have questions about these service changes, please contact us at BetterBusProject@mbta.com.

Bus Network Redesign

Learn more about the Bus Network Redesign

Learn more

Bus Network Redesign

Learn more about the Bus Network Redesign

Learn more