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An MBTA train, c. 1979 An MBTA bus, c. 1972. The history of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and its predecessors spans two centuries, starting with one of the oldest railroads in the United States. Development of mass transportation both followed existing economic and population patterns, and helped shape those patterns.
A typical New Flyer XDE40 Hybrid bus. The MBTA bus system, the nation's sixth largest by ridership, has 152 bus routes. Most routes provide local service in the urban core; smaller local networks are also centered around Waltham, Lynn, and Quincy. The system also includes longer routes serving less-dense suburbs, including several express routes.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates 152 bus routes in the Greater Boston area. The MBTA has a policy objective to provide transit service within walking distance (defined as 0.25 miles (0.40 km)) for all residents living in areas with population densities greater than 5,000 inhabitants per square mile (1,900/km 2) within the MBTA's service district.
The MBTA provides partial subsidy for some suburban routes outside its usual service area that connect with MBTA bus, subway, or commuter rail service. Routes 712-716 are radial commuter routes were taken over from various private operators (Rapid Transit Inc. for the 712/713, Nantasket Transportation for the 714, and Hudson Bus Lines for the 716).
The routes have high ridership (though lower than many key bus routes) and low costs per rider compared to other bus routes in the MBTA system. In 2012, three routes (SL1, SL5, SLW) were the only MBTA bus routes to show a profit; the median net cost (after fares) on all MBTA bus routes was $2.13 per passenger. [102]
MBTA subway fares are $2.40 regardless of fare medium (CharlieCard, paper ticket, cash, contactless tap to ride), with two transfers on MBTA bus local routes allowed. Daily, weekly, and monthly passes are also available, and MBTA Commuter Rail passes for these time periods are valid for subway fares. [17]
The MBTA began adding the key bus routes to its rapid transit map in 2009. [5] [6] This is a 2013 draft by Michael Kvrivishvili, modified into the official map in 2014, that shows the key routes as thinner lines on the rapid transit map.
A 2018–19 MBTA review of its bus system found that route 57 suffered from overcrowding at peak hours and poor reliability. [47] No short-term changes were recommended. [48] 2022 MBTA proposals for its systemwide bus network redesign called for the 57 to have increased frequency to provide service every 15 minutes or better at all operating hours.