Bus division of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Bus Division| Company type | Public transit agency division |
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| Industry | Public transportation |
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| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
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Area served | Boston metropolitan region, Massachusetts |
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| Products | Bus services, including local routes, express routes, Silver Line BRT |
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| Website | www.mbta.com/bus |
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The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus division manages 151 routes throughout the Boston metropolitan region in Massachusetts. Each route provides connections to the MBTA subway system, MBTA Commuter Rail, or other MBTA bus lines. A significant number of these routes have evolved from former streetcar lines originally operated by the Boston Elevated Railway and suburban transit firms such as the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway and Middlesex and Boston Street Railway. Of the total, 147 routes are directly operated by the MBTA, while four are managed by private contractors. Additionally, four suburban services receive partial financial support from the MBTA.
The majority of bus routes require a local fare payment, which stands at $1.70 for a one-way trip as of 2024. The Silver Line waterfront services (SL1, SL2, SL3, SLW) apply the standard subway fare of $2.40. Express buses feature a two-tier fare structure: local segments are charged at the local fare rate, whereas trips to downtown Boston on express segments cost $4.25 based on 2024 pricing.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, service levels were curtailed but largely reinstated by 2021, though some routes were permanently discontinued. Since 2018, the MBTA has been developing an extensive redesign of its bus network with a target completion date set for 2028. The initial phase of this redesign was rolled out in December 2024.
Silver Line
The Silver Line is a bus rapid transit (BRT) system comprising six routes and is promoted as a rapid transit alternative. It is split into two main branches: the Waterfront service (SL1, SL2, SL3, SLW), which operates through the South Boston Transitway tunnel, and the Washington Street service (SL4, SL5), which runs along surface streets. Waterfront routes charge fares equivalent to subway rides, while Washington Street routes maintain standard bus fare levels. All Silver Line buses are articulated vehicles; those serving the Waterfront branch are hybrid models equipped with extended battery-electric capabilities to accommodate tunnel travel.
SL5 was introduced in 2002 as a replacement for the Washington Street Elevated line. The Shuttle service began operations in 2004, followed by SL2 and SL3 within the same year. SL1 started in 2005 utilizing dual-mode buses capable of operating both electrically and on diesel power. In 2009, SL4 was launched to substitute for a canceled Phase III tunnel project. A new SL3 route connecting Chelsea was inaugurated in 2018.
Crosstown
The MBTA operates two crosstown (CT) routes that provide limited-stop service linking major subway stations and bus transfer hubs. Initially launched in 1994 with three crosstown routes, CT1 was merged into route 1 in 2019.
1–121
These routes constitute the core of local transit within the metropolitan center, primarily derived from former Boston Elevated Railway streetcar corridors. Originally assigned numbers in a clockwise sequence from the southeast to the northeast, this system has remained largely consistent since the BERy period, evolving through the Metropolitan Transit Authority and into the MBTA. Several smaller routes have been consolidated into main trunk lines, with new routes introduced during both the M.T.A. and MBTA administrations.
Seven routes—, , , , , , and —extend service to western suburban communities such as Bedford, Waltham, Lexington, and Needham. These lines trace their origins to former Middlesex and Boston Street Railway operations acquired in 1972, and were reassigned numbers previously retired.
In 2004, fourteen routes—including , , , , , , , , , , , , , and —were classified as key bus routes. These high-demand lines provide frequent service complementing the subway network in Boston’s most densely populated neighborhoods. The MBTA’s 2024 Bus Network Redesign is gradually eliminating the key route classification in favor of a wider frequent route system. Routes 28 and 39 operate with 60-foot articulated buses.
Four early morning round trips (191–194) run between suburban stations and over multiple local routes, primarily intended for station staff but accessible to all riders.
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131–137
Routes numbered 131 through 137 serve the Melrose region, originating from former Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway lines that became part of the MBTA network in 1968. Routes 136 (now discontinued) and 137 once extended service to Lowell and Lawrence, their initial Eastern Mass endpoints. Route 132 was first operated by Service Bus Lines before MBTA assumed control in 1975.
171
Route 171 operates as a limited-service substitute for the early morning CT3 route that was truncated from Logan Airport in 2002. Other routes in the 170 series were short-term industrial shuttle services.
201–202
The 20 belt route, originally established by the M.T.A. in 1962 from BERy’s 20 and 21 stubs, was renumbered as routes 201 and 202 in 2005 to better indicate the direction of the loops.
210–245
Serving the Quincy region, routes numbered 210 through 245 are based on former Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway lines that were incorporated into the MBTA system in 1968. After the gradual introduction of the Red Line’s Braintree Branch during the 1970s and 1980s, these routes were adjusted to end at rapid transit stations, mainly at .
350–354
Covering Burlington and Woburn, these routes trace their origins to the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway’s Lowell–Boston line, which was taken over by the MBTA in 1968 and later truncated to Burlington.
411–465
Serving the Lynn vicinity and North Shore, these routes encompass former Service Bus Lines (411, 430) acquired in 1975, along with primarily Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway routes obtained in 1968. Certain routes heading to Haymarket offer weekend variations (indicated by a W suffix) that conclude at Wonderland.
501–558
These express services link Newton, Massachusetts with downtown Boston utilizing the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). Established in the 1960s alongside the turnpike's expansion, the 500 series mainly consists of routes formerly operated by the Middlesex and Boston Street Railway before their integration into the MBTA system by 1972. As of 2020, multiple routes have been shortened to terminate at Newton Corner.
Privately operated routes
The MBTA provides partial subsidies for suburban transit lines beyond its primary network that serve as connections to MBTA transportation modes. Radial commuter services numbered 712 through 716 were formerly run by private companies such as Rapid Transit Inc., Nantasket Transportation, and Hudson Bus Lines before being incorporated.
Moreover, multiple local circulator routes are initiated by municipalities with some financial support from the MBTA. These routes are generally managed by private contractors, except for the Beverly Shuttle, which is operated by the Cape Ann Transportation Authority.
Continuing with notable municipally managed services:
- BED: Bedford Local Transit – operated by the Town of Bedford
- BEV: Beverly Shuttle – run by Cape Ann Transportation Authority
- LEX: Lexington Lexpress (comprising four routes) – overseen by the Town of Lexington
- MIS: Mission Hill LINK – volunteer-driven service
These collaborative arrangements enable the MBTA to broaden its service area through strategic subsidies and contracts with private operators, thereby improving regional transit accessibility.
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