Agenda Summary
title
In support of retaining Route 80 service through Somerville.
body
Official Text
WHEREAS: The Somerville City Council supports the Better Bus Network project, which is improving MBTA bus service and ridership across Greater Boston, and which has already contributed to a 20% increase in ridership after one year, with those benefits especially benefitting low-income households and riders of color; and
WHEREAS: Despite the network-wide benefits of the Better Bus Network plan, the plan also proposes to remove Route 80 service between Lechmere and Powderhouse Square, which will have predictable negativeeffects on ridership and equity in Somerville; and
WHEREAS: In 2023, the MBTA approved a plan that would discontinueRoute 80 service between Lechmere and Powderhouse Square, where it currently runs on the McGrath Highway, Cross St, Pearl Street, and through Gilman Square on Medford St; and
WHEREAS: The decision to discontinue this important section of Route 80 was based in part on the argument that it would be made redundant by the GLX; and
WHEREAS: However, the Gilman Square station is the only GLX station that is not meaningfully accessible, as it is reached via a steeply sloped section of School St. or of Walnut St./Medford St., and thus cannot be reached by many people in wheelchairs or other mobility devices, who would therefore would be left without public transit access if the 80 is discontinued; and
WHEREAS: Additionally, the GLX does not meaningfully substitute for many destinations currently served effectively by the 80, including Twin City Plaza, East Somerville Community School, and Magoun Square; and
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville is planning a new elementary school on Medford St that will serve over 900 students, and for which reliable bus service will be an essential way to reduce traffic; and
WHEREAS: Despite the existence of the GLX, the section of Route 80 proposed to be cut currently accounts for more than 50% of the ridership of Route 80, according to an analysis by the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council, and therefore remains important to Somerville residents; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA is actively soliciting public feedback on changes to the Better Bus Network up until September 8, and the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council and the Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advocacy Groups have already submitted excellent commentary calling for the preservation of Route 80; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the City Council respectfully encourages the Better Bus Network Project Team to reverse the decision to discontinue Route 80 service between Lechmere and Powderhouse Square; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That a copy of this Resolution be delivered to the Better Bus Network Project of the MBTA.