The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus system manages 151 routes throughout the Boston metropolitan region, providing connections to MBTA subway lines, Commuter Rail services, and additional bus networks. The majority of these routes have historical roots in former streetcar lines or suburban transit companies such as the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway. Among these, 147 routes are directly operated by the MBTA, while four are managed by private contractors under agreements with the MBTA. Furthermore, four suburban 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’s waterfront routes (SL1, SL2, SL3, SLW) charge the standard subway fare of $2.40. Express buses have a two-tier fare system: passengers pay the local fare for the initial segment and $4.25 for the express portion on highways.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, service levels were modified but mostly reinstated by 2021. Since 2018, the MBTA has been implementing a major redesign of its bus network aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and service quality, with full rollout anticipated by 2028. The first phase of these changes was introduced in December 2024.
Silver Line
The Silver Line comprises six bus rapid transit routes promoted as rapid transit services. It is divided into two segments: the Waterfront branch (SL1, SL2, SL3, SLW), which operates through the South Boston Transitway tunnel, and the Washington Street branch (SL4, SL5), which runs on surface streets. Waterfront routes apply subway fare rates, whereas Washington Street routes charge standard bus fares. All Silver Line vehicles are 60-foot articulated buses; those serving the Waterfront branch utilize hybrid models equipped with extended battery capacity to enable electric operation within the tunnel.
The SL5 route replaced the Washington Street Elevated line in 2002. The Shuttle service began in 2004, followed by the introduction of SL2 and SL3 later that year. SL1 started operations in 2005 using dual-mode buses. After plans for a tunnel extension were canceled, SL4 was launched in 2009. A new SL3 route connecting Chelsea opened in 2018.
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The MBTA’s two crosstown (CT) routes provide limited-stop service linking key subway stations and major bus transfer hubs. Initially launched with three routes in 1994, one route—CT1—was merged into route 1 in 2019.
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These routes make up almost the entire local transit network within the metropolitan area’s core, with most originally established as streetcar lines operated by the Boston Elevated Railway. Generally numbered in a clockwise sequence from the southeast to the northeast—from route 4 serving South Boston up to approximately route 121 in East Boston—they have largely remained consistent through transitions from BERy to the Metropolitan Transit Authority in 1947, and subsequently to the MBTA in 1964. Although a few minor routes were consolidated or added during M.T.A. and MBTA oversight, the fundamental network has stayed largely unchanged.
Seven routes—, , , , , , and —provide service to western suburban communities including Bedford, Waltham, Lexington, and Needham. These routes trace their lineage back to former Middlesex and Boston Street Railway lines acquired in 1972, adopting previously retired route numbers.
In 2004, fourteen routes—such as , , , , , , , , , , , , , and —were classified as key bus routes. These high-ridership lines complement the subway system by offering frequent transit options within the city’s most densely populated districts. Key routes generally maintain elevated service frequencies. Beginning in 2024, the MBTA’s Bus Network Redesign will discontinue the "key bus" label while expanding a broader network of frequent service routes. Articulated buses are deployed on routes 28 and 39.
Additionally, four early morning round trips (routes 191–194) run between peripheral stations and traverse segments of several local routes. Though primarily intended for station staff, these trips are accessible to all riders.
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Routes numbered 131 through 137 serve the Melrose vicinity and originated from former Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway lines that were incorporated into the MBTA system in 1968. Among these, route 136 has been discontinued, while route 137 briefly extended service to Lowell and Lawrence during MBTA management. Route 132 was originally operated by Service Bus Lines before being absorbed into MBTA operations in 1975.
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Route 171 functions as a limited-service substitute for early morning CT3 operations that were curtailed from Logan Airport in 2002. Other routes in the 170 series primarily consisted of short-term industrial shuttle services.
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The M.T.A. established the 20 belt route in 1962 by merging BERY's 20 and 21 stub routes. To improve clarity in direction, the MBTA divided this loop into two separate routes, 201 and 202, in 2005.
Routes numbered 210 through 245 serve the Quincy, Massachusetts region. These lines originated as Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway services and were incorporated into the MBTA system in 1968. Initially connecting to , these routes were later redirected to new Red Line stations such as following the phased introduction of the Braintree Branch during the 1970s and 1980s.
Serving the Burlington and Woburn areas, these routes trace back to the Lowell–Boston line of the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway. The MBTA took over this route in 1968 and subsequently shortened it to focus on Burlington.
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Operating throughout Lynn and the North Shore, these routes include former Service Bus Lines (such as routes 411 and 430) acquired in 1975, along with mainly Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway lines absorbed since 1968. Weekend short-turn versions of two Haymarket routes, designated with a W suffix, terminate at Wonderland station.
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These express bus routes provide direct connections between Newton and downtown Boston, utilizing the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). Established in the 1960s to capitalize on the turnpike's extension, the 500 series comprises routes initially operated by the Middlesex and Boston Street Railway, which were absorbed into MBTA service by 1972. In 2020, several routes had their termini shortened to Newton Corner.
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When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized.
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When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized.
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When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized.
Several suburban routes operating outside the MBTA’s primary service area receive partial funding from the authority and connect with MBTA transit services. The radial commuter lines numbered 712 through 716 originated from private companies—Rapid Transit Inc. operates routes 712 and 713, Nantasket Transportation runs 714, and Hudson Bus Lines manages 716.
Furthermore, local circulator routes launched by municipalities benefit from partial MBTA subsidies. These services are primarily run under contract by private operators, with the exception of the Beverly Shuttle, which is administered by the Cape Ann Transportation Authority.
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From a page move: This is a redirect from a page that has been moved (renamed). This page was kept as a redirect to avoid breaking links, both internal and external, that may have been made to the old page name.
When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized.
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From a page move: This is a redirect from a page that has been moved (renamed). This page was kept as a redirect to avoid breaking links, both internal and external, that may have been made to the old page name.
When appropriate, protection levels are automatically sensed, described and categorized.
