#10 Bus Route is one of the Slowest Routes of the MBTA
If you take the #10, you are probably not surprised by this news. It stinks.
According to a new report from TransitMatters, the T’s slowest bus routes somehow managed to lose even more speed last year. In October 2024, the MBTA’s 10 slowest buses crawled along at an average of 6.52 mph — down from 6.83 mph the year before. Not exactly “moving forward.”
And if the slow speeds weren’t frustrating enough, bunching, when multiple buses on the same route show up practically on top of each other instead of spaced out, also got worse. It’s the kind of headache that throws reliability out the window and makes the whole system less efficient.
Among the MBTA’s worst-performing routes, the share of bunched buses jumped from 14.1% to 15.8% between October 2023 and October 2024, according to TransitMatters.
Why is it happening? A perfect storm: heavier traffic, drivers ignoring bus rules, and a lack of proper bus infrastructure. And the fallout hits hardest where it always seems to — in communities that rely on public transit the most and can afford these delays the least.
So here are the two lists that TransitMatter created – the slowest (Pokey) and the bunchy-ist (Schlepy).
TransitMatters offers some suggestions on how the MBTA can improve service in the new year. You can read the full report here.
To all our #10 commuters – Godspeed.
Maureen Dahill is the founder of Caught in Media. Once a longtime wardrobe and prop stylist for brands such as Rue La La, TJ Max & Hasbro, she is a devoted lover of vintage clothing, Martini Mondays, Castle Island, AND a 4th generation South Boston native. Mother of three, married to Peter G.
are you serious about this
very much so, Todd.
Transitmatters is a great organization. They have a lot of cool data viz.
The 9 feels slower to me. Granted, I only ever really ride the 10 to and from Andrew.