The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus system encompasses 151 routes throughout the Boston metropolitan region, seamlessly connecting with MBTA subway lines, Commuter Rail services, and other bus networks. Among these routes, 147 are operated directly by the MBTA, while four are managed by private contractors under contractual agreements with the MBTA. Furthermore, four suburban bus services receive partial financial support from the MBTA.
As of 2024, local bus fares are set at $1.70 per one-way trip. The Silver Line routes serving the waterfront (SL1, SL2, SL3, SLW) apply the standard subway fare of $2.40. Express bus services incorporate a two-tier fare structure: a local fare for segments within city limits and an elevated express fare of $4.25 for travel along highway portions.
Although service reductions occurred during the COVID-19 crisis, the MBTA restored most pre-pandemic service levels by 2021; however, some routes have not resumed operations. Since 2018, the MBTA has been implementing a comprehensive redesign of its bus network, targeted for completion in 2028, with initial modifications rolling out in December 2024.
Silver Line
The Silver Line constitutes a bus rapid transit (BRT) system with six distinct routes designed to provide rapid transit service. It is divided into two main segments: the Waterfront branch (SL1, SL2, SL3, SLW shuttle), which operates via the South Boston Transitway tunnel and charges subway-equivalent fares; and the Washington Street branch (SL4 and SL5), which runs on surface streets at standard bus fare rates. All Silver Line vehicles are articulated buses measuring 60 feet in length; those on Waterfront routes utilize hybrid models capable of electric operation within tunnels.
Significant developments in the Silver Line's history include the introduction of SL5 in 2002 as a replacement for the Washington Street Elevated line; commencement of the SLW shuttle and SL2/SL3 lines in 2004; launch of SL1 in 2005 featuring dual-mode buses; addition of SL4 in 2009 following cancellation of a proposed tunnel expansion; and inauguration of the SL3 route to Chelsea in 2018.
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The MBTA operates two crosstown (CT) routes, which provide limited-stop connections between key subway stations and major bus transfer points. Initially launched with three crosstown routes in 1994, route CT1 was merged into route 1 in 2019.
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These routes primarily deliver local transit service within the metropolitan center, many of which have their roots in the streetcar lines once operated by the Boston Elevated Railway. Arranged roughly in a clockwise sequence from the southeast to the northeast, their numbering has remained mostly stable since the incorporation of the BERy into the Metropolitan Transit Authority in 1947 and later into the MBTA in 1964. While some smaller routes were consolidated into main trunk lines, new routes were introduced during both the M.T.A. and MBTA periods.
Seven routes – , , , , , , and – cater to western suburban areas such as Bedford, Waltham, Lexington, and Needham. These lines stem from the 1972 acquisition of Middlesex and Boston Street Railway services, subsequently renumbered from previously discontinued identifiers.
In 2004, fourteen routes – including , , , , , , , , , , , , , and – were classified as key bus routes due to their heavy ridership. These high-frequency lines complement the subway network by serving Boston's most densely populated neighborhoods. Starting in 2024, the MBTA is shifting from this classification toward a more comprehensive frequent route network. Notably, routes 28 and 39 operate 60-foot articulated buses to meet passenger demand.
Four early morning round trips (routes 191–194) provide connections between outer stations and via multiple local lines. Intended mainly for station personnel but accessible to all riders, these trips are listed as variants of local routes in schedules.
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Serving the Melrose vicinity, routes 131 through 137 originated from former Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway lines absorbed into the MBTA system in 1968. Under MBTA management, discontinued route 136 and route 137 briefly extended service to Lowell and Lawrence. Route 132 was initially operated by Service Bus Lines before transitioning to MBTA control in 1975.
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Route 171 offers limited early morning service, replacing the former CT3 route that was curtailed from Logan Airport in 2002. Other routes numbered in the 170s were typically short-term shuttles serving industrial areas.
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Originally derived from BERY's 20 and 21 stubs, the 20 belt route was established by the M.T.A. in 1962. To improve clarity regarding travel direction, these services were renumbered as routes 201 and 202 in 2005.
Serving the Quincy region, routes numbered 210 through 245 trace their origins to the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway lines that the MBTA absorbed in 1968. After the Braintree Branch opened in the 1970s and 1980s, these lines were restructured to conclude at Red Line rapid transit stations.
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350–354
These routes operate in Burlington and Woburn, originating from the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway's Lowell–Boston corridor, which the MBTA acquired intact in 1968 before later truncating service to Burlington.
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Operating throughout Lynn and the North Shore region, these routes include former Service Bus Lines routes like 411 and 430 acquired in 1975, alongside Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway lines absorbed in 1968. Two routes heading toward Haymarket feature weekend short-turn variations (identified by a W suffix) that terminate at Wonderland.
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"Salem Depot" to Wonderland station (weekend short-turn)
"North Beverly station" to Salem Depot
"Salem Depot" to Wonderland station
"Salem Depot" to Central Square, Lynn
501–558
These express bus routes provide a direct connection between Newton and downtown Boston, utilizing the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). The MBTA launched the 500 series in the 1960s to capitalize on the newly extended turnpike. The 550 series traces its origins to Middlesex and Boston Street Railway lines serving Newton Corner, which were extended into downtown Boston during the 1960s and later incorporated into MBTA operations in 1972. In 2020, these routes were shortened to terminate again at Newton Corner.
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The MBTA provides partial funding for certain suburban routes beyond its main service region that connect with MBTA transit options. Routes 712 through 716 are radial commuter lines that were acquired from private companies: Rapid Transit Inc. operates routes 712 and 713, Nantasket Transportation runs route 714, and Hudson Bus Lines manages route 716.
Routes without assigned numbers serve as municipal circulators and receive some MBTA subsidies. These are generally run by private contractors, with the exception of the Beverly Shuttle, which is operated by the Cape Ann Transportation Authority.
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