Boston Bus Lanes Improving Commute Times and Reliability

Boston-area buses are moving faster and more regularly along several routes where the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority implemented bus rapid transit features, including bus-only lanes. An analysis of MBTA data shows travel times are down five to ten minutes and commute and arrival times are more consistent.

"The encouraging data comes as the MBTA tries to find ways to move its buses faster amid the nation's worst rush hour traffic. And it's gotten worse: The time it takes buses to complete their routes during rush hour has increased 17% between 2006 and 2018, according to the MBTA," reports Zeninjor Enwemeka.

While the bus lanes started as pilot projects, Boston and Everett have since made them permanent, and Arlington plans to do the same. The MBTA is putting $9 million toward bus improvements, and transit officials say more bus lanes will coming in the future.