Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Boston

Boston Identified Its Most Dangerous, Degrading Bus Stops. Now What?

A Boston bus stop that left riders on an awkward sidewalk island surrounded by speeding traffic nearly won Streetsblog's "Sorriest Bus Stop in America" competition last year.

Now Boston's MBTA is in the midst of a systematic review of its bus stops to identify dangerous conditions.

The agency told state officials yesterday that it sent two-person crews to evaluate conditions at each of its 7,600 bus stops [PDF]. The MBTA is looking at the safety of pedestrian crossings, the quality of shelters and seating amenities, and the presence of physical barriers like guardrails.

With all but about 100 evaluations completed, the MBTA has identified 209 stops of immediate concern because they lack safe walking access or require bus riders to board in the street. The agency will either eliminate or modify those stops to address the problem.

The agency says it may eliminate 133 stops, according to the Statehouse News Service, but only bus stops within 750 feet of another stop will be removed. Service will not be affected.

A 2016 survey by TransitCenter [PDF] found that most frequent transit riders walk to access the bus or train, and that they value bus shelters highly.

Only about 8 percent of MBTA's bus stops have shelters, the agency's review found. Another 7 percent have benches but no cover from the elements.

TransitCenter's Jon Orcutt says the MBTA deserves credit for taking the initiative but that the process so far is more of a "minimum first step."

"Transit riders would be best served by a bus stop program that plans and provides for safe, inviting walking access to stops and well-designed, functional shelters," he said.

The MBTA says it will work with the municipalities where the stops are located to get them fixed or removed.

Here's a look at two of the stops the MBTA deemed to be unacceptable.

Photo: MBTA
Photo: MBTA
false
Photo: MBTA
Photo: MBTA
false

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Trojan Horse’: E-Bike Licensing Bill Would Fuel Anti-Immigrant Policing

Council members fail to address the e-bike registration bill's potential harmful outcomes.

December 10, 2024

‘Not Fleshed Out’: Paladino’s E-Bike Ban Falls Flat at Manhattan Civic Panel

A Queens Republican's latest bid to squelch e-bike use fails at Community Board 2.

December 10, 2024

Tuesday’s Headlines: BQE Lies Edition

An anti-congestion pricing group says traffic on the BQE has increased — though the city says the opposite. Plus other news.

December 10, 2024

How Trump’s Mass Deportation Plans Could Make U.S. Roads More Dangerous

President-elect Trump's promise to deport one million people per year will make America's streets less safe.

December 10, 2024

Cycle of Rage: Here’s Why Your Dead Christmas Tree Should Be in the Road, Not on the Sidewalk

The opposite of a heartwarming holiday story? It's the story of Barbara Hutson, who suffered two broken arms after she tripped on some Christmas trees that should have been in the road.

December 9, 2024
See all posts