Transit & getting around
Better bus, rail, ferry, bike-share and parking options for moving around the city.
Residents consistently ask for comfortable, weather-protected bus stops, more places to park, easier bike access, and more frequent, better-connected transit.
Theme grouped and summary written with AI from this theme's resident ideas.
197 ideas across three cycles
| Cycle | Ideas | Share of all ideas | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 74 | 6.1% | 5 of 20 |
| 2025–26 | 65 | 5.4% | 5 of 20 |
| 2026–27 | 58 | 4.4% | 11 of 20 |
Needs that keep coming back
Shelters, benches and weather protection at bus stops
Residents want seating, roofs and heat or cold protection at bus and T stops, especially for older adults, disabled riders and children waiting in extreme weather.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
More public and resident parking
Residents in East Boston, Chinatown, South Boston and other crowded areas ask for more parking lots, garages, spaces and meters, and say shortages hit low-income residents hardest.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
Affordable bike access and secure bike parking
Residents ask for free or cheaper Bluebikes access, more stations and e-bikes, and covered, secure bike parking to make cycling a practical alternative to driving.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
More frequent service and expanded rail and bus links
Residents ask for more buses, more consistent service, new bus routes and rail extensions, such as the Orange Line to Hyde Park, Roslindale and West Roxbury, so neighborhoods have better connections.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
Real-time arrival information
Residents want digital signs or timers at stops and stations showing when buses and trains will arrive, so riders can plan trips reliably.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
2024–25
Ideas ranged widely, with many requests for free parking lots near the T and in East Boston, bus stop amenities, Blue Hill Ave 45 bus detour fixes, and large rail and bus-route proposals.
2025–26
Heated, cooled and shaded bus shelters and parking requests (East Boston, Chinatown) were most common, alongside new ideas such as pedicab rides, a harbor circulator ferry pilot and free public transit.
2026–27
Benches and seating at bus stops stayed prominent, with new interest in quick-build bus platforms, more e-bikes in Bluebikes, EV chargers and ferry or shuttle pilots, while the theme fell to rank 11 of 20.
New in 2026–27
New or growing asks include quick-build floating bus stops and platforms, public EV chargers for renters, more e-bikes in Bluebikes, a pilot East Boston–Charlestown ferry, an Aquarium–Seaport electric shuttle, and lower fares.
Funding so far
The 2024-25 winning bench project addresses the recurring bench request, but full weather shelters, parking, bike-share and bike parking, real-time arrival information and more frequent service have not yet been addressed by a winning project.
Projects are linked to themes by matching each project's description to the themes; this is not an official City classification.
Install Benches at High Ridership Bus Stops
2024–25 · $150,000
This proposal will allow the City's Transportation Department to install benches at high-ridership bus stops across the City.
Departments that often lead this work
- Boston Transportation Department
Suggested with AI; not an official assignment of responsibility.
Ideas in Transit & getting around
197 ideas
2024–25: 74 · 2025–26: 65 · 2026–27: 58
- Bike path between Fields Corner and AshmontResident proposes a bike path connecting Fields Corner and Ashmont on already-cleared Red Line land, since the area is currently unwalkable.2026–27Dorchester
- Restrooms, overhangs and benches at T stopsAdd public bathrooms at major T stops and overhangs and benches at all stops to protect commuters from rain and improve accessibility.2026–27City-wide
- Free Wi-Fi on commuter railThe resident asks for free Wi-Fi on commuter rail trains so riders can work or study during long commutes, which could also encourage public transit use.2026–27City-wide
- Covered and protected bike parkingThe resident asks the City to provide covered, secure bike parking that protects bikes from weather and theft, supporting people who bike.2026–27City-wide
- Fund studies to expand trolley and rail linesThe resident asks to put the funds toward scoping and studies to expand trolley and subway lines, including completing the GLX and extending the Orange and Blue lines, for connectivity equity.2026–27City-wide
- More benches at bus stops and commercial streetsThe resident asks for more benches and seating, especially at bus stops and busy commercial streets, so elderly and disabled people, and families can rest in public.2026–27City-wide
- Rail service for RoxburyThe resident asks for rail service to be operated in Roxbury, saying it has been promised for a long time but not delivered, unlike wealthier areas.2026–27RoxburySubmitted in Korean
- Cleaner, shaded bus stopsMake bus stops cleaner and add shade.2026–27City-wideSubmitted in Korean
- Longer buses to reduce crowdingUse longer buses so riders are not squeezed into smaller, crowded buses.2026–27City-wide
- Blue Hill Avenue bus lanesResident asks the city to build bus lanes on Blue Hill Avenue, saying most residents support it, half of street users ride the bus and funding is available.2026–27Mattapan
- Public EV chargers for rentersResident asks for more public EV chargers or resources so renters without home chargers can own EVs, improving air quality in lower-income neighborhoods.2026–27City-wide
- Elevators at Boylston and all subway stationsResident asks for an elevator at Boylston station and a review of accessibility at all stations, with the City working with the MBTA, to help seniors and people with disabilities.2026–27City-wideSubmitted in Chinese
- Station escalators and Chinatown lighting and call boxesResident asks for escalators at Boylston and Tufts Medical Center stations, plus more street lights, emergency call boxes and police patrols in Chinatown for night safety.2026–27ChinatownSubmitted in Chinese
- Quick-build bus platforms pilotResident proposes a pilot of quick, low-cost bus platforms to cut stop time, reduce bike conflicts and add parking, benefiting mostly lower-income and minority bus riders.2026–27City-wide
- Dynamic parking pricing pilot in Allston VillageResident proposes a pilot of dynamically priced parking and curb management in Allston Village to reduce double parking that slows buses, with extra revenue for equity investments.2026–27Allston
- Child seats or scooter option for BluebikesResident asks the city to study adding child seats or a scooter option to Bluebikes, since parents with small children are currently excluded.2026–27City-wide
- Move MBTA bus stops closer togetherResident asks to bring MBTA bus stops closer to their original spots, since widened spacing forces longer walks, especially for people with mobility challenges.2026–27City-wide
- Late-night transportation help after midnightResident asks for a transportation service or outreach after 12am so people do not become stranded and can be connected to resources.2026–27City-wide
- Free Bluebikes ride day or weekendThe resident suggests a free ride weekend or one free ride on Bluebikes citywide so people try cycling instead of driving, reducing traffic.2026–27City-wide
- Pedestrian bridge between East Boston and DowntownAsks for a bridge so people can walk between East Boston and Downtown.2026–27North End