As of 2024, the fare for local bus rides is set at $1.70 per trip. The Silver Line waterfront routes (SL1, SL2, SL3, SLW) apply the subway fare of $2.40. Express bus services feature a split fare system: $1.70 for local sections and $4.25 for segments traveling on highways.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, service levels were temporarily scaled back but were restored to pre-pandemic standards by 2021, although several routes remain inactive. Since 2018, the MBTA has been developing a comprehensive bus network redesign aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and service quality, with full deployment targeted for 2028. The initial phase commenced in December 2024.
Silver Line
The Silver Line comprises six routes operating as a bus rapid transit system promoted as rapid transit service. It is divided into two segments: the Waterfront branch (SL1, SL2, SL3, plus the rush-hour SLW shuttle), which utilizes the South Boston Transitway tunnel; and the Washington Street branch (SL4, SL5), which runs along surface streets. The Waterfront routes charge fares equivalent to the subway system, whereas Washington Street routes use standard bus fares. All Silver Line vehicles are articulated buses measuring 60 feet in length; those on the Waterfront routes are hybrid models equipped with enhanced battery capacity to support electric operation within tunnels.
The SL5 line replaced the former Washington Street Elevated in 2002. The Shuttle service began in 2004, followed by SL2 and SL3 later that same year. SL1 started operation in 2005 deploying dual-mode buses. After a Phase III tunnel project was canceled, SL4 was introduced in 2009. Additionally, a new SL3 route serving Chelsea was launched in 2018.
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The two crosstown (CT) lines provide limited-stop service linking key subway stations and major bus transfer hubs. Originally launched with three crosstown routes in 1994, route CT1 was merged into route 1 in 2019.
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These routes encompass nearly the entire local transit service within Boston’s metropolitan center, with most having their origins as streetcar lines operated by the Boston Elevated Railway. Numbered approximately in a clockwise sequence from the southeast to the northeast, this network has largely remained stable since the BERy period, despite some consolidations and expansions during the Metropolitan Transit Authority and MBTA administrations.
Seven routes—, , , , , , and —serve the western suburban communities such as Bedford, Waltham, Lexington, and Needham. These lines developed from former Middlesex and Boston Street Railway routes that were incorporated into the MBTA system in 1972.
In 2004, fourteen routes—including , , , , , , , , , , , , , and —were classified as key bus routes. These heavily utilized lines provide frequent service to Boston’s most densely populated areas, complementing the subway system. With the MBTA's Bus Network Redesign commencing in 2024, the designation of "key bus route" is being phased out in favor of a more extensive frequent route network. Notably, routes 28 and 39 utilize 60-foot articulated buses.
A set of four early morning trips (routes 191–194) operate between outlying stations and over various local routes. Primarily intended for station agents, these services are accessible to all passengers.
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The Melrose region is served by routes 131 through 137, which originated from former Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway lines absorbed into the MBTA in 1968. Routes 136 (now discontinued) and 137 once extended briefly to Lowell and Lawrence during MBTA operation. Route 132 was initially managed by Service Bus Lines before being transferred to MBTA control in 1975.
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Route 171 functions as a limited-service substitute for early morning CT3 trips cut back from Logan Airport in 2002. Other routes in the 170 series were short-lived industrial shuttle services.
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The 20 belt route was established by the M.T.A. in 1962 by combining BERy’s routes 20 and 21. In 2005, it was split into routes 201 and 202 to better indicate loop directions.
Routes numbered 210 through 245 operate within the Quincy, Massachusetts region and originate from former Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway lines that were incorporated into the MBTA system in 1968. Following the inauguration of the Braintree Branch during the 1970s and 1980s, these routes were adjusted to conclude their trips at Red Line stations such as .
Serving the Burlington and Woburn areas, routes 350 to 354 trace their roots back to the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway's Lowell–Boston corridor, which the MBTA acquired in 1968. Over time, this route was shortened to terminate in Burlington.
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Operating throughout Lynn and the North Shore region, this group of routes includes those formerly managed by Service Bus Lines (routes 411 and 430), which were acquired in 1975, along with many lines inherited from the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway in 1968. Weekend short-turn services on Haymarket routes, designated with a W suffix, end at Wonderland station.
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|-}
{- | 450W | (Salem Depot) – Wonderland station |-}
{- | 451 | North Beverly station – Salem Depot |-}
{- | 455 | Salem Depot – Wonderland station |-}
{- | 456 | Salem Depot – Central Square, Lynn |-}
501–558
These express bus routes provide a direct connection between Newton and downtown Boston by utilizing the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). The MBTA introduced the 500 series during the 1960s to capitalize on the newly extended turnpike. The 550 series traces its origins to former Middlesex and Boston Street Railway lines serving Newton Corner, which were extended into downtown Boston in the 1960s and later incorporated into the MBTA system in 1972; however, service was scaled back to terminate at Newton Corner in 2020.
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The MBTA provides partial subsidies for suburban transit routes that extend beyond its primary coverage area yet connect with MBTA services. The commuter routes numbered 712 through 716 are radial lines inherited from private companies: Rapid Transit Inc. operates routes 712 and 713, Nantasket Transportation manages route 714, and Hudson Bus Lines runs route 716.
Routes without numerical designations are local circulator services initiated by municipalities with partial financial support from the MBTA. Except for the Beverly Shuttle, which is operated by the Cape Ann Transportation Authority, all these routes are run privately under contractual agreements.
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