Boston Scraps Center-Running Bus Lane Design on Columbus Avenue
Boston transportation officials have scrapped plans to extend the center-running bus lane design along Columbus Avenue, abandoning a project once viewed as a proof of concept for better bus infrastructure across the city. The Boston Globe reported that the city and the T are instead pivoting to a curbside bus lane design for the second phase of the corridor’s construction, following persistent delays, local pushback, and operational challenges.
The decision halts an infrastructure model that placed bus stops in the middle of the roadway. City officials and transit planners originally intended the Columbus Avenue layout to serve as a precursor for similar street redesigns on Blue Hill Avenue and the Lynnway.
Why Boston Changed Course on Columbus Avenue
The existing center-running bus lane on Columbus Avenue launched in October 2021 with $14.5 million in funding, creating eight bus stops in the middle of the roadway separated from the sidewalk with a signalized crosswalk. City data released in 2025 indicated that the layout shortened bus travel times by up to four minutes and reduced roadway injuries by 27 percent.
However, the northward expansion, known as Phase II, faced continuous roadblocks. Wu slowed various street improvement projects amid public pushback regarding bike lanes and other roadway redesigns. Local merchants also contended that the removal of 52 parking spots during the initial rollout harmed their bottom line. Clayton Turnbull, owner of a local Dunkin’ franchise, told The Boston Globe that his sales dropped 30 percent after construction began and never recovered. While corridor injuries declined, major collisions involving T buses increased in 2023 and 2024.
The Shift to Curbside Lanes for Phase II
City officials now view the remaining northern stretch of Columbus Avenue as better suited for a curbside bus lane. In an internal letter shared on social media in March, city officials recommended the curbside alternative to mitigate operational and safety issues while preserving space for cars and T buses during rail shutdowns.
Transit officials note that the curbside design requires less excavation and will cost less than the original center-running layout. Maya Bingaman, a T spokesperson, stated that congestion along this portion of Columbus Avenue stems primarily from traffic signal delays at intersections rather than competition with other cars and delivery trucks. Because the corridor features very few curb cuts, a side-running lane can operate effectively.
Residents and Transit Groups Debate Median Lanes
The retreat on Columbus Avenue aligns with broader public friction over center-running bus lanes. Proposals for similar median lanes on Blue Hill Avenue and the Lynnway in Lynn have sparked opposition from residents and business owners concerned about traffic congestion and parking loss. Meanwhile, transportation advocacy groups like TransitMatters maintain that center-running lanes remain the most effective method for boosting speeds and reliability for tens of thousands of daily riders.
Federal and City Funds Back 2027 Construction
The revised Phase II project on Columbus Avenue is backed by $34 million in federal funding and $3.3 million in city dollars. Public meetings regarding the updated curbside design are scheduled for November, according to city project trackers. Construction is slated to begin later in 2027 and will last up to 18 months.
What Happens to Columbus Avenue Bus Lanes?
What will happen to the center-running bus lane already operating on Columbus Avenue?
The existing center-running bus lane south of Jackson Square will remain in place. City data shows it continues to provide faster travel times for bus riders and maintains safety improvements implemented since October 2021.
How does the new curbside design differ from the canceled plan?
Instead of placing bus stops in the middle of the street between opposing lanes of car traffic, the curbside design places buses next to the curb, requiring less roadway excavation and preserving more space for curbside access.
What funding is secured for the Phase II construction?
The project is funded by $34 million in federal funds and $3.3 million from the city, with construction scheduled to begin later in 2027.
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