Signs of Progress

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) doesn’t yet exist in the Boston region, but some communities are taking steps to test out pieces of BRT through pilot projects on popular bus routes. In 2018, BostonBRT partnered with four of these communities and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to create faster and more reliable commutes for thousands of bus riders.

BostonBRT solicited pilot project ideas through a Request for Proposals issued to Massachusetts cities, planners, transit advocates, and community organizations. A selection committee comprised of Massachusetts transportation leaders and BostonBRT technical consultants reviewed submissions. Projects were selected based on the quantity of BRT elements included, proof of concept, potential impact (including density of population and employment), and community support.

The pilots were structured through memoranda of agreement signed by the local communities and the MBTA. This is a best practice that ensured all partners agreed on the scope, timeframe, and various responsibilities associated with each project.

While riders during the pilot experienced only pieces of BRT, pilot results demonstrate the exciting potential of moving more people, more efficiently and the promise of true BRT.

Data collected during the pilots showed that riders:

saved time on their commute
gained more certainty about the length of their daily commute and bus arrival time
supported BRT elements – with many wanting to see the pilots made permanent or expanded

Nearly all elements of these pilot projects have since become permanent – a major step in the right direction. Yet, none of these projects combine all the elements required for BRT, so the opportunity remains: what community will be the first to bring Gold Standard BRT to Greater Boston?

BostonBRT 2018 Pilot Projects

Everett

Everett and the MBTA enhanced the city’s existing dedicated bus lane along the south side of Broadway, the city’s main transit corridor, with additional BRT features to benefit 8,000 daily riders.

Learn More about Everett

Cambridge & Watertown:

Cambridge and Watertown partnered with the MBTA and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to pilot numerous BRT elements for bus routes #71 and #73, which provide 12,000 daily trips on Mount Auburn Street west of Fresh Pond Parkway.

Learn More about Cambridge & Watertown

Arlington

In collaboration with the MBTA, the Town of Arlington led a pilot benefitting 10,000 riders on the #77, #79 and #350 bus routes along Massachusetts Avenue. The #77 is one of the top 15 highest-ridership routes in the MBTA bus system.

Learn More about Arlington

The pilots were made possible by three $100,000 grants from the Barr Foundation, plus consultant support for technical analysis, community engagement and communications, and branding/design.

The BostonBRT pilots have inspired bus lane ideas around the region. New bus lanes have since been implemented in Boston and Somerville, with dozens more ideas emerging for additional lanes in other places.