Current MBTA frequent network as of Fall 2022 vs. Oct. 2022 proposed expanded frequent network over Greater Boston urbanization and human settlement density levels.
Black lines denote served areas. Gray lines either denote extended ares of no stops on subway lines (Edgeworth, Neponset), or non-frequent branches (116/117). Blue lines denote new, proposed, frequent lines. The Medford Branch of the GLX is marked blue as it is not operational yet.
The 111 between the Tobin Bridge and Causeway St. in North End is not marked. Personally, I find it extremely misleading when the 111's line is drawn through Charlestown, since there are no exits on the Tobin Bridge, and there is no City Sq. bus stop on the 111. The 111 should be marked with an arrow from the on-ramp on Chelsea, and an arrow on the No. Washington St. bridge, and display "Runs express to/from North End/Haymarket and Chelsea"
Data source:
EU Global Human Settlement Layer
Current MBTA frequent network, rapid transit and key bus routes (Fall 2022, 2022-08-28) (excludes Medford Branch GLX)
Proposed frequent bus network and Medford Branch GLX (2028 or later)
Some things stick out to me. Eastern Medford and Edgeworth in Malden remain underserved by the current network, as well as the Neponset areas.
Both Neponset and Brighton got the short end of the stick in the Oct. 2022 revision. Brighton has infrequent crosstown connection with the 86 and the 65. Neponset will only see hourly bus service compared to every 30 mins in the May 2022 version. In east Medford, the 134 is routed away from Fellsway and the 100 downgraded to hourly (every 30 mins right now).
The northern suburbs are extremely spread out low density, and areas south and southeast of Quincy Center (note large green and blank space gaps between orange settled areas in the map). So it makes sense that they remain at hourly bus service, although commuter rail improvements is a good move, but high frequency bus service doesn't make sense (sub 30 minute wait times) in low density areas, given the need for higher frequency (sub 10 minute wait times for buses) in urban areas. Not sure why Saugus is seeing 30 minute frequencies. Although, downgrading Saugus to hourly service means less service to West Lynn, which got cut in the Oct. 2022 revision. The 77 to Arlington Heights stays put, and makes sense, RL extension past Lexington Center is hard to justify. Existing 62 bus to Lexington will stay put at hourly service, but will add Sunday service in the proposal.
Areas in Newton currently serviced by the 550 bus series, and the Newton Commuter Rail stations, will continue to be relatively underserved by transit, given relative density. A bus running Newton Corner - Waltham Center via West Newton Commuter Rail station, running every 30 mins would've made sense, but is not planned in the proposal.
The current, fall 2022 network leaves a lot to be had. Charlestown, Everett, much of Somerville, Medford, South Boston, and West Roxbury, have no frequent service, and all of these locations will see improvements, although it is at least 6+ years away from now (October 2022). Somerville/Charlestown is going to have massive improvements in the future from where it's at now.
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