The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority recently unveiled a proposal https://www.mbta.com/projects/bus-network-redesign/update/bus-network-re... for a network of the entire regional bus network. According to the MBTA, "the Bus Network Redesign creates more all-day service, more service in busy neighborhoods, and new connections to more places. The plan puts equity first, prioritizing the needs of those who depend on frequent, reliable bus service."
The redesign affects three major bus routes that travel through Milton: Route 215, Route 240, and Route 245.
- Route 215 (Fields Corner to Quincy Center, via Granite Avenue and Adams Street): The MBTA proposes to increase service on the 215 bus. The 215 currently runs buses every hour on weekdays. Under the new proposal, the 215 would run buses at least every half-hour from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week, with more service during peak times. The proposal also changes one of the endpoints of the route. The 215 currently terminates at Ashmont Station; under the new proposal, it would terminate at Fields Corner.
- Route 240 (Ashmont to Avon Square, via Central Avenue, Reedsdale Road, and Randolph Avenue): The MBTA's proposal reduces service on the 240 bus. The 240 currently runs buses every half-hour midday and weekdays. Under the new proposal, the 240 would run buses at least every hour from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, seven days a week, with more service during peak times. The reduction in service is a consequence of the elimination of the Holbrook/Randolph branch of the 240 route.
- Route 245 (Mattapan Station to Quincy Center, via Blue Hills Parkway, Brook Road, Reedsdale Road, Pleasant Street, Edge Hill Road, and Adams Street): The MBTA proposes to increase service on the 245 bus. The 245 currently runs on a less-than-hourly schedule. Under the new proposal, the 245 would run buses at least every hour from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, seven days a week, with more service during peak times.
No major changes are proposed to Route 217 (Ashmont to North Quincy) or Route 716 (Mattapan Square to Canton).
You can find more information on the MBTA Bus Network Redesign website https://www.mbta.com/projects/bus-network-redesign/update/bus-network-re.... There is an open public comment period to provide input on the network redesign proposal.
The Select Board is currently soliciting feedback from Milton residents affected by these proposed changes as it considers its own comments to the MBTA. Please reach out to the Select Board via the contact information on the Board's website https://www.townofmilton.org/select-board.
