Mayor Michelle Wu has announced that the City of Boston will launch five free, publicly accessible Link Bus routes to expand neighborhood transportation options and strengthen connections to the MBTA, jobs, schools, healthcare, local businesses, and other essential destinations.
The new and expanded services will operate in Mattapan, Roxbury, Allston-Brighton, Charlestown and the Lower Mystic, and South Boston Waterfront. The shuttle service will provide last-mile service along an established route between residential neighborhoods and transit stops at no cost for users.
“Boston is a city of incredible opportunities, but residents must have more reliable and affordable transportation for every family to build their fullest lives and strengthen our community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The Link Bus program will bring free transportation services directly into our neighborhoods, strengthen connections to the MBTA, and make it easier to get to work, school, appointments, and local businesses. We are grateful to our federal, state, and community partners for helping build a transportation network that works for everyone.”
The Link Bus program is supported by approximately $11.5 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Relief Program, administered through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The funding is part of the broader $21.6 million LINKUP Greater Boston award, which also includes approximately $10 million to expand Bluebikes and support greater access to e-bikes. The federal grant will support three years of operations for the free shuttle services. During that time, the City will be evaluating ridership, better understanding demand for the services, and identifying opportunities to support their long-term sustainability.
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Boston (EDIC) authorized acceptance of the Link Bus funding at its September 17 meeting, allowing the City and its partners to move forward with contracting, community engagement, service planning, and launch preparation.
Three services will be operated in partnership with transportation management associations (TMA) serving Allston-Brighton, Charlestown and the Lower Mystic, and the Seaport. The City, through EDIC, will competitively procure operators for the Mattapan and Roxbury fixed-route transit services. The services are expected to launch in early 2027.
“Transit is foundational to how Boston’s neighborhoods grow and thrive,” said Chris Osgood, Interim Chief of Streets. “Link Bus services will complement the MBTA by filling targeted first-mile and last-mile gaps and connecting people more directly to the regional transit network. Each service will reflect its neighborhood while sharing a commitment to being free, accessible, reliable, and open to everyone.”
The Link Bus initiative builds on the City’s experience supporting free neighborhood transportation services, including the Mission Hill Link, the Lower Mystic Link, and EZRide. Once launched, residents will be able to access rider information, including schedules and stop locations, through the city’s website. Community engagement, procurement, and detailed service planning will continue over the coming months.
“This investment demonstrates how transportation and planning can work together to connect residents to opportunity and support the economic vitality of our neighborhoods,” said Kairos Shen, Chief of Planning. “This will create stronger connections among homes, jobs, commercial districts, community institutions, and the broader transit system.”
The routes, stops, schedules, and service models for the Mattapan and Roxbury services have not yet been finalized. The City will work with residents, businesses, elected officials, and community organizations to identify the destinations and connections to improve access to neighborhood commercial districts.
A Better City, Lower Mystic TMA and Seaport TMA will play a central role in operating and coordinating three of the five grant-supported services. TMAs work directly with employers, institutions, residents, and commuters to improve commuters’ experience and ease traffic congestion.
“Transportation Management Associations are built to bring partners together and develop practical transportation solutions that respond to how people actually travel,” said Pat Sullivan, Executive Director at Seaport TMA. “This investment gives us an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen existing connections, expand free public access, and create services tailored to the needs of the Lower Mystic and Seaport communities.”
A Better City will support the development of the Allston-Brighton service through its transportation demand management work and partnerships with the neighborhood’s employers and institutions.
“Reliable first-mile and last-mile connections are essential to a transportation system that supports workers, businesses, and a growing regional economy,” said Scott Mullen, Transportation Demand Management Director at A Better City. “The Link Bus program combines significant public investment with the local knowledge and partnerships needed to deliver useful, accessible service. We are excited to work with the City and the Allston-Brighton community to help shape this new transportation option.”
The Link Bus program builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to making transit more affordable and accessible, including the City-supported program that keeps MBTA Routes 23, 28, and 29 fare-free through the end of 2026. Link Bus services will complement the MBTA by closing targeted transportation gaps, improving connections to transit stations, and serving destinations that can be difficult to reach through the existing network. The MBTA supported the City’s application for the federal award.
Local leaders laud city’s newly launched free shuttle bus service for Charlestown
Rep. Dan Ryan, Sen. Sal DiDomenico, and Charlestown Neighborhood Council (CNC) Chair Tom Cunha agree that the City of Boston’s Bus Link program will be a welcomed addition to the existing transportation options for residents of Charlestown.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced last Friday, Oct. 9 that free community shuttle buses will begin operating in Charlestown and other neighborhoods in Boston.
“The Bus Link program being proposed by Mayor Wu in the City of Boston is a welcome opportunity to connect our current public transportation system with new opportunities,” said Rep. Dan Ryan. “In particular, the Lower Mystic program will allow us to revision the Sullivan Square/Rutherford Avenue area from a regional transportation terminus for others into a revitalized, vibrant new area for commerce and living while better serving those who already live here.”
Sen. DiDomenico also praised the new Link Bus program, stating, “Our communities and economy are stitched together by our transit systems, so I am thrilled to see we are expanding access and increasing affordability for people who rely on public transportation. These new free bus routes will connect people in my district and across Boston to the regional transit networks they rely on to go to work, get healthcare, buy groceries, and see their family. I want to thank Mayor Wu for her leadership on these important transportation investments that will benefit countless residents in our city and across the region.”
Cunha, leader of the CNC, an advisory organization that meets monthly, called the new program, “a good idea.”
“I think the free shuttle bus service will help residents move around better and give transportation opportunities to people who don’t have ways to get to downtown and other areas in the city. I think it’s a good idea,” said Cunha.