BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Several MBTA bus routes will be getting a makeover at the end of the year as part of the Bus Network Redesign project.
Phase 1 of the project launches on December 15. Routes 86, 104, 109 and 110 will start running every 15 minutes or sooner. Currently, the routes run anywhere from every 20 minutes to every 45 minutes.
The first phase of the redesign was approved in November 2022, after the MBTA received 20,000 comments from the public, according to MBTA CEO Philip Eng.
“The Bus Network Redesign project has taken a holistic approach in evaluating routes, speaking with customers and community leaders, and then proactively making changes for specific coverage areas,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt.
Route 104 will start running from Malden Center to Logan Airport. Massport CEO Rich Davey said this will benefit the “thousands” of airport workers who live in Malden, Everett and Chelsea.
Route 109 will triple its service from Sullivan Square through Union Square to Harvard Square, and will also replace Route 86 service from Harvard Square.
Routes 116 and 117 will be combined into a single Frequent Bus Route 116, continuing existing service between Wonderland and Maverick bus stops.
Bus stops will also get a remodel, including new signs that indicate the routes that run every 15 minutes or sooner, called Frequent Bus Routes, and maps inside the bus shelter will be easier to read.
Expanded bus parking lots will be added in Linden Square and Harvard Square, as well as at Wonderland and Airport station bus stops.
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