According to the MBTA’s website, for example, Blue Hill Avenue serves 10 bus routes with some of the highest ridership in the MBTA system. During the week, riders take 20,000 bus trips on Blue Hill Avenue. But, due to congestion, “they lose 3,056 hours weekly stuck in traffic” collectively. The main goal of the dedicated bus lane is to speed up commuting time.

But some residents are concerned about multiple potential impacts of the new lane, including safety. 

“The idea of somebody forcing…my grandmother to run to the middle of the street to get on a bus is just unconscionable,” said former State Senator Dianne Wilkerson, who says that she and others have been attempting to voice concerns directly to the mayor, but that the mayor has not met with them. 

The mayor’s office did not respond to ENR’s request for comment.

West Ward, a 25-year-old community leader and resident of Mattapan, believes a center bus lane will have a negative impact on local business. 

“The bus lanes being next to the sidewalk, it gives people more reason to actually stand next to these businesses,” he said. “When you start moving the bus lane into the middle of the road, it makes you consider, ‘Maybe I shouldn't go across the street where the busy traffic is cutting through to go to these businesses.’”

Through its community engagement process, the city received feedback from multiple Boston youth who had complaints about the speed and reliability of the bus line. “...The bus can really take a long time, especially when you miss it and you have to wait,” said one young person, according to a city website. 

According to the Blue Hill Avenue Transportation Action Plan page on the MBTA website, the project is in the concept design phase. Construction is planned for 2027 through 2030. 

“...As we continue engaging with your local delegation, local businesses and residents, it is clear the community has been asking for and deserves a Blue Hill Avenue redesign that addresses longstanding neighborhood priorities. One that improves safety, preserves parking, supports businesses and allows many modes including pedestrians, motor vehicles, buses and bikes to be enjoyed, improving everyone’s quality of life,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and General Manager Phillip Eng in a press release.