The MBTA recently held a virtual meeting to go over its Bus Network Redesign plan. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Sean Perry

On Tuesday, July 21, the MBTA hosted a virtual meeting to discuss revisions to bus routes introduced by the Bus Network Redesign plan. The meeting allowed riders to share their thoughts and concerns about proposed changes to Routes 67, 80, 94, 96, and 350 throughout Medford, Cambridge, Somerville, and Arlington.

The hour-and-a-half-long meeting included a short presentation, several polls, and an audience Q&A section, all centered around getting audience feedback on various options relating to Proposal 2.

According to Becca Wolfson, the director of the Better Bus Network at the MBTA, The Bus Network Redesign plan aims to “increase frequent service throughout our bus network by creating designated more frequent bus routes.”

“The Bus Network Redesign plan provides a pathway to increase our bus service by 25% across the network, with at least a 70% increase in weekend service. We’re about two-thirds of the way through implementation,” said Wolfson.

“For some background context, under a Bus Network Redesign, we plan to consolidate Route 80 with 350 and discontinue Route 94. However, we received many comments about frequency reductions on Boston Ave, Medford, and Somerville, and other network connectivity changes in the area,” Wolfson explained.

The future bus network, before proposed changes. — Photo courtesy of MBTA

The team discussed three options for improving Medford access with attendees, and got feedback regarding each package through polls. Options include extending Route 80 to Arlington Heights (Option A), retaining Route 94 (Option B), and re-routing the 96 bus to Mass Ave. (Option C).

Three different proposals to improve the future bus network. — Photo courtesy of MBTA

Melissa Dullea, the Senior Director of Service Planning at MBTA, outlined the specific frequency of the different proposed options, potential trade-offs that would come with each option, and new or improved connections that each option would bring.

During the audience Q&A section, several attendees shared their concerns with how the proposed changes could potentially impact their day-to-day life.

“It’s upsetting that the proposed plans for Route 96 take away access to Cambridge on days like today when the red line service is suspended. The 96 is a key route,” said one attendee, Rich. “As a regular morning rider, anecdotal bus loads are typically high given businesses near Harvard Square. So this change for the 96 is negative and forces riders to add transfers, which increases travel time.”

Another attendee, Julia Forster, spoke about her issues with Option C. She explained, “I live in Medford, and I take the bus 96 every single day on George Street. And at times it’s not packed, but there are a lot of us. I do not want any of those stops taken away, because if you did, I would have to walk all the way up to Boston Ave, and I just turned 76.”

“There are a lot of us who are like me. And also some retired, etc. And we all depend on that bus Route 96,” she added.

The questions and concerns were received well by MBTA representatives. “That’s absolutely kind of the type of feedback that we’re looking for, and we’ll use that as we come to a decision on how to route the 96 through your neighborhood,” said Dullea.

“We’re undergoing this process to try to improve mobility and access, and your input really matters,” Wolfson echoed.

At the end of the meeting, Wolfson encouraged attendees to keep reaching out.

At the end of the meeting, Wolfson encouraged attendees to keep reaching out. “You can take our survey, you can come to the open house specifically for the changes for this area next Thursday. You can also email us or send us a letter in the mail, we have an address posted on the website, and we’ll be accepting comments through August 5th,” Wolfson added.