Around Town

Meetings Planned on Proposed Changes to MBTA’s 57 Bus Route

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The following information about the MBTA’s 57 bus, which runs out of Watertown Yard and goes down Galen Street toward Newton, Brighton, Allston, and ends up in Kenmore Square, was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Boston Transportation Department is working with the MBTA to plan improvements to the Route 57 bus corridor and will hold public engagement events this summer to collect community feedback, before implementing changes in 2023 or 2024. The Route 57 Transit Priority Corridor project will improve the Route 57 corridor in Brighton and Allston to reduce transit delay, enhance safety, and improve accessibility for those who live, work, and travel throughout the corridor. Improvements could include new bus lanes, changes to bus stops, or changes to how traffic operates at intersections. 

In the coming weeks, the project team will conduct outreach to raise awareness of the project and share initial design concepts. We will be tabling at community events, bus stops, and other locations leading up to the following two larger events:

August 2, 2023 In-Person Open House

Wednesday, August 2 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Jackson Mann Community Center, 500 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134.  

At this open house, City of Boston and MBTA staff will be available to answer questions about the project and listen to your feedback.

Around Town

Community Board Member Wanted for Watertown Transportation Management Association

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Watertown TMAThe Watertown Connector started running the week of Labor Day. The shuttle goes down Pleasant Street to Watertown Square and then heads to Harvard Square. It is open to the general public. The following information was provided by the Watertown TMA:

The Watertown Transportation Management Association (WTMA) is seeking an Advisory Member from the community to join the WTMA Board. The Board meets 4-6 times per year, on Wednesday mornings at 9 am.

Around Town

Watertown TMA Puts Out Survey About City’s Shuttle, Commuting

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The City of Watertown provided the following information:

Take the Watertown Transportation Management Association’s survey. This is an opportunity to be represented in transportation-related developments within Watertown. Your participation can help decision-makers to understand the needs and preferences of the community and make informed decisions. Take the WATConnector survey and make a difference in your community. The survey will be up for one month.

Around Town

MBTA’s Releases Revised Bus Network, Holding Public Meeting This Week

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Charlie BreitroseA 71 bus run by the MBTA. The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Bus Network Redesign project has released a Revised Bus Network map. The map can be found on the project website. In May 2022, the Bus Network Redesign project released a Draft Bus Network Map and sought public feedback. Over the spring and summer, we received over 20,000 comments on the Draft Bus Network Map.

70 Bus

Some MBTA Buses Running Less Often Starting Aug. 28, Long Term Planning Survey

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Charlie BreitroseBuses in Watertown including the 71 bus will run less frequently starting the fall of 2022. Changes to the MBTA schedule and service will begin on Aug. 28, and some routes in Watertown will be impacted. Three bus routes in Watertown — the 70, 71, and 73 buses — will run less often. The changes will impact the 70 (which runs from Waltham to Central Square/University Park in Cambridge via Main Street and Arsenal Street) on weekdays.

Around Town

MBTA Hosting In-Person & Virtual Meeting on Bus System Redesign

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Charlie BreitroseBuses like this one on the 71 bus will get priority heading toward Harvard Square on Mt. Auburn Street in the new Cambridge-Watertown Bus Priority Pilot program. The following information was provided by MassDOT:

Bus Network Redesign’s proposed bus network map is now available for your review at MBTA.com/BNRD. This proposal for bus service will create a more equitable network with more frequent service, better connections, and more all-day service every day. You can view the full proposal here.

Transportation

Changes Planned to Some Watertown Bus Routes, MBTA Hosting Meeting Wednesday Night

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Charlie BreitroseAn MBTA bus in Watertown. The MBTA announced changes to services beginning on Dec. 19, 2021, including decreased frequency and schedule changes for some bus lines serving Watertown. The 70 bus line from Waltham to the Central Square area in Cambridge will have decreased frequency during weekday mornings and afternoons, Saturday afternoons, and Sunday afternoons. The 504 express bus from Watertown Yard to Copley Square will have decrease frequency in the morning and afternoon.