Plan would Short-Circuit Number 7 and Number 11 Bus Service in South Boston
BOSTON – Last week, State Senator Nick Collins testified in opposition to the MBTA’s proposed bus route changes as part of the Authority’s Better Bus Project. In particular, the Senator took issue with proposed changes the Number 7 and Number 11 buses, which would see dramatic route changes under the existing plans. Senator Collins was joined by Representative David Biele in signing a letter of opposition that was submitted to the MBTA last week.
“The proposed changes are, frankly, absurd,” said Senator Collins. “I cannot support this proposal until those route changes are scrapped.”
The proposed changes to the Number 11 bus would see the route end at Broadway Station, with the bus no longer continuing downtown via Tufts Medical Center. Commuters and those seeking the hospital’s services would instead have to transfer to the Red Line and Orange Line to complete the trip, raising concerns regarding the abilities of those with physical disabilities to access healthcare.
The Number 7 bus would continue its traditional route on Summer Street, passing by the Flynn Cruiseport, the Conley Terminal, and the Port of Boston, crossing the heavily trafficked Haul Road, before continuing past South Station, all the way through to North Station and Charlestown, doubling the current route before a return trip to South Boston. Many South Boston residents rely on the Number 7 bus for transportation to work downtown, with calls from residents to increase current Number 7 bus service.
The MBTA is currently accepting feedback from community members regarding the proposed route changes. Please voice your feedback and concerns to [email protected], or by calling (617) 222-3011
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
Thank you, Senator Collins and Representative Biele, for your strong opposition to these ridiculous, and quite frankly, cruel, changes to the South Boston bus routes. Please continue to advocate vociferously for this community until these short-sighted proposals are withdrawn!
Thank you, Senator Collins and Representative Biele! Those bus routes are a lifeline for many of us and we appreciate your support.
Thank you Senator Collins and Representative Biele. With the demand for buses increasing steadily as the pandemic (hopefully) is waning, making these route changes is ludicrous! Not to mention the fact that with the cost of gas & the increasing climate crisis, shouldn’t we be encouraging use of safe, convenient and expedient public transport? …. Instead these changes would discourage people now taking these buses. Completely illogical.
Thank you, Senator Collins, Representative Biele, Council President Flynn and Councillor Flaherty for speaking on behalf of those of us who rely on those specific bus routes.
Thank you Senator Collins and Representative Biele. We don’t need the bus schedules to change!
Thank You, Senator Collins & Representative Biele for your support! We need the #11 bus route to remain as it is. The Broadway Station escalator is still in disrepair and seems to be more often the case. Try being a senior or disable person going up & down staircases to train platforms. Not feasible. The #7 should remain on same route and increase bus service during rush hours, not move location.
The 11 City Point CHAUNCEY AND SUMMER STR REALLY NEEDS to stay FULL ROUTE. It’s WAY too difficult for MANY of us (ELDERLY) to switch to the redline/orange line. Thank you for listening.