Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/tag/public-transportation/)
Charlie BreitroseAn MBTA 71 bus. By Mark Pickering
I’ve been commuting from Watertown to a variety of jobs and locations for a generation now. I’ve used public transit and several cars. When I worked second shift in Boston, getting off work sometimes as late as 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., I was annoyed that the T was no longer operating. There oughta be a law!
MBTA buses operating in Watertown Square. (Photo by Mark Pickering)
By Mark Pickering
When it comes to MBTA service, residents in numerous Boston neighborhoods and abutting communities would love to say they have the worst. They’d be wrong. Watertown “wins” hands down. A Boston Globe article (“Missed connections at Nubian,” Feb.
An MBTA Bus drives through Watertown Yard. (Photo by Mark Pickering)
By Mark Pickering
The city is out to revitalize Watertown Square and has set out a series of meetings aimed at getting feedback from the general public. The overall effort will look at making the square more attractive to walkers, merchants and developers looking to address the housing crisis. The issue of transportation is a key part of the package. Even our urban neighbors note that car traffic has taken over Watertown Square – which could be the worst such intersection in Greater Boston.
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.
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.
Charlie BreitroseAn MBTA 71 Bus. The MBTA released the final report for the Better Bus Project, which includes changes to multiple routes serving Watertown. Some routes have been altered, or even replaced. Others have increased or reduced service. And there are some new routes.
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.
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.