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New bus route redesign proposal

Bus routes are going to change in Somerville (and beyond), and the MBTA shared an updated proposal of what that might look like. Since the initial proposal in May, they made lots of changes based on public input. But there's still room for your input! Join their online meeting Nov 2. Here's the new proposal compared to the previous proposal and current conditions so you can see them all together. New proposal: May proposal: Current bus routes: There are many more details on the project website. What do you think of the changes?

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Green Line Extension closing for four weeks, Medford branch opening delayed again

It hasn't been a good summer for the MBTA -- and certainly not for its riders. The T announced two pieces of bad news: Starting Aug 22, the Green Line will close between Government Center and Union Square for four weeks. They say the closure is necessary to complete the Medford branch work, as well as work on the Government Center Garage. Very disappointing. There will be shuttle buses offered. Phase 2 of the Green Line Extension, originally supposed to open last December, then May, then late summer, is now planned for late November. Reasons include work and re-testing of the power systems and availability of Safety and Operational support crews. Also very disappointing. MBTA Press Release "MBTA to close Green Line north of Government Center for 4 weeks" (Boston Globe) "MBTA will…

Continue ReadingGreen Line Extension closing for four weeks, Medford branch opening delayed again

STEP letter to the MBTA about the proposed Bus Network Redesign

View STEP's comments on the big proposed changes to MBTA bus routes in Somerville. We support the MBTA’s intent to modernize the bus network for the first time in many decades and its stated goal of creating a more equitable network with more frequent service, better connections, and more all-day service. But we’re also disappointed with some aspects of this first BNR draft and encourage the BNR team to act on the concerns we’ve heard from Somerville’s residents, outlined below. STEP’s take is that Somerville residents and businesses lose more than we gain from this proposal. Read the complete letter. STEP-Final-Comments_MBTA_Bus-RedesignDownload

Continue ReadingSTEP letter to the MBTA about the proposed Bus Network Redesign

Proposed Somerville bus changes: the good, the bad, the ugly

In its recent proposal, the MBTA put forward big potential changes to bus routes in Somerville as a result of the Better Bus Project. Their goal of the Bus Network Redesign (BNR) is to create a more equitable network with more frequent service, better connections, and more all-day service every day. While there are some changes that benefit Somerville, there’s also a lot of bad news. Keep reading for STEP’s take on the details. But more important, make your voice heard! The MBTA is hosting several events to hear feedback on the proposal or you can share your thoughts with them using a form. The good news If this BNR proposal is implemented, Somerville will get more frequent service on four key bus routes, with buses on these routes coming every 15 minutes,…

Continue ReadingProposed Somerville bus changes: the good, the bad, the ugly

Green Line Extension phase 2 opens late summer

"Green Line Extension to Medford was set to start service in December, then May, then this summer. Now? ‘Tracking for late summer,’ T says." (Boston Globe) Slated to start carrying passengers in December, then May, then this summer, the branch and its five new stations are now scheduled to open for business in “late summer,” said MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo via e-mail.... Laurel Ruma is a Green Line Extension citizen representative charged with communicating with the communities around the Medford branch’s northern stops and the MBTA about the project. She said people are anxious to see the stations open after enduring years of construction in their backyards. “Whether it’s late summer or early fall, we know it’s within sight,” she said. “You can see the stations are built, bike racks are in, it…

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MBTA proposes big changes to Somerville buses

The Better Bus Project's goal is to create a more equitable network with more frequent service, better connections, and more all-day service every day. The new proposed bus map is now available at MBTA.com/BNRD and it would mean many changes for Somerville riders. STEP will be analyzing the proposal and sharing our thoughts. There will be opportunities to provide your own feedback on the new bus routes, at MBTA events and using this form.

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Roundup of Green Line coverage

"Decades in the making, Green Line Extension to Somerville’s Union Square finally opens for passengers" (Boston Globe) "GLX opening a major achievement for the T" (CommonWealth Magazine) "The MBTA's Green Line finally goes all the way to Somerville" (WBUR) "Green Line Extension pulls into the Somerville’s Union Square … finally!" (Boston Herald) "Somerville, Cambridge celebrate GLX opening" (Somerville Times) "At last: the trains have come to Somerville; first new Green Line Station opens" (Wicked Local) "Green Line service to Somerville starts with new branch of GLX" (WCVB) "Green Line Extension Service to Union Square in Somerville Begins Monday" (NBC Boston) "MBTA’s Green Line Extension Opens With 2 New Stations" (CBS Boston) "Photos: The Green Line Extension’s Opening Day" (StreetsBlog)

Continue ReadingRoundup of Green Line coverage