MBTA to raise bus frequency
Boston’s MBTA announced it will increase bus service to frequencies higher than pre‑pandemic levels, signaling network growth and renewed operational demand for scheduling, workforce planning, and safety oversight. Higher frequency deployments will require updated operational readiness plans and PTASP integration for service scale‑up. (bostonherald.com)
MBTA set the Spring 2026 service package to take effect on Sunday, April 5, 2026, with updated schedules posted in late March. (mbta.com) The agency said 37 bus routes will receive frequency increases and two routes—Route 9 and the SL2—will be upgraded to “Frequent Bus Route” service (every 15 minutes or better). (mbta.com) Under the Better Bus Network adjustments, CT2 and Route 85 will be consolidated into a single Route 85 (Assembly–Ruggles) with peak headways targeted at 15–25 minutes and off‑peak 30–45 minutes, and Route 87 trips will be extended to Arlington Center. (mbta.com) MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng reported the agency is running roughly 99.4% of the weekly service‑hours offered in fall 2019 and has launched a one‑year pilot to double service on suburban Routes 714 and 716 starting April 5. (mass.streetsblog.org) Federal PTASP requirements updated in April 2024 mandate agencies implement SMS elements—safety risk management, safety performance targets, joint labor‑management safety committees, and an annual review/update process—requirements that directly inform how expanded bus schedules must be integrated into agency safety plans. (transit.dot.gov) The MBTA tied the service increases to recent asset and funding moves: the final pair of CRRC Orange Line cars entered service allowing an 8% weekday trip increase on the Orange Line, and the agency is operating under a new five‑year capital plan (~$9.8 billion for FY2026–2030) alongside federal grants aimed at road and bus safety. (mbta.com)
