MBTA Announces Improved Bus Stop Signage Pilot as Part of Phase 1 of Bus Network Redesign

Phase 1 of Bus Network Redesign anticipated to be implemented in December 2024.

Today the MBTA announced a pilot that began yesterday, April 8, and will continue through May 3, 2024, to redesign bus stop signs in an effort to improve their accessibility and findability. The MBTA will also host eight pop-up events at pilot bus stops to gather rider feedback. This bus stop signage pilot comes in advance of anticipated bus service changes to come as part of the Bus Network Redesign (BNR) Program. More information is available at mbta.com/BusSigns.

"As we begin this pilot of new sign designs for buses that are intended to improve our riders' experience and provide clear information at bus stops, we are asking for public feedback to best ensure we are meeting your expectations," said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. "As we focus on delivering more reliable and frequent trips, information and communication is equally critical for both existing and future riders. Your input is invaluable as we embark on the first phase of Bus Network Redesign in December 2024. We look forward to seeing and hearing from everyone at any of the upcoming bus stop pop-up events."

To prepare for the upcoming anticipated bus service changes as part of BNR, the new bus stop sign design is being piloted at various locations between April 8 and May 3. The signs will include the following:

• Increased size: The sign's width will increase from 12 to 14 inches to improve visibility.
• Double-sided: The signs will be double-sided to make it easier to find bus information from both directions.
• Improved legibility: The signs will include larger two-inch text and numbers to make them easier to read.
• Frequent bus route symbol: The signs will include a clock symbol to indicate this bus stop serves one or more frequent bus routes.

The MBTA encourages riders and the public to send feedback to help the T finalize the design.

Other bus stops where the new bus stop sign is being piloted are located at:

BNR is a complete reimagining of Greater Boston's bus network that will better reflect the travel needs of the area and create a better experience for current and future bus riders. A new core network of frequent bus routes-operating every 15 minutes or better throughout the day-is the center of this redesign. The MBTA is implementing the new bus network in phases over the next five years.

In December 2024, the MBTA anticipates that Phase 1 bus service changes will be implemented throughout the communities of Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, Somerville, Cambridge, and East Boston for Routes 86, 104, 109, 110, 116, and 117, including:

• Changing six bus routes, increasing service by 60% on the north side;
• Increasing service frequency for four routes (Routes 104, 109, 110, and 116) to 15 minutes or less, all day, every day; and
• New connections to the Red, Orange, Green, and Blue lines.

The MBTA will continue to communicate with riders about these upcoming anticipated changes in advance of December 2024 and encourages riders to share their questions and comments about BNR by emailing [email protected]. Full details about these anticipated changes during Phase 1 and beyond are available at mbta.com/BNR.

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