(source: MassDOT blog)

In consultation with the South Boston local elected officials, the MBTA is pleased to announce preliminary planning for South Boston bus stop and service improvements. Goals for the effort include the following:

• Enhance service reliability
• Reduce overcrowding at bus stops
• Optimize bus stop locations and spacing for safety, efficiency, and minimal parking impacts
• Improve bus stop accessibility for seniors and persons with disabilities

Two preliminary planning meetings are scheduled to be held in September.

• September 23, 5:30 – 7:30 PM – Condon School – 200 D St., Boston 
• September 30, 5:30 – 7:30 PM – Tynan School – 650 E. 4th St., Boston

While this process is underway, and due to planned utility work expected along E. 4th St., MBTA bus Routes 5, 7, 9, and 10 will continue to follow the detour route in the inbound direction via E. Broadway.

“We have heard from many residents throughout the community over the last few years and particularly this past winter about the need to improve the overall quality of public transportation in South Boston. I look forward to partnering with the MBTA and MassDOT to develop responsive solutions that will increase accessibility, reliability and safety of our bus services,” said Rep. Nick Collins.

“Traffic, congestion, and overcrowded bus stops have been ongoing concerns for the South Boston community and the MBTA has a critical role to play in addressing these issues,” said Senator Linda Dorcena Forry. “After the historic winter we want to make sure that the people of South Boston are able to have a real dialogue about how to make bus service more reliable. I encourage all residents to come out and participate during this public process.”

MBTA Interim General Manager Frank DePaola said the program’s goals are a priority for the T.

“A safe ride is of the utmost importance,” DePaola said. “Any improvements in bus service that can be identified and implemented we’d consider a wise investment.”