505 Express Bus To Return To Newton: Mayor

NEWTON, MA — The 505 Express Bus from Newton to Boston, which was nixed earlier this year as a MBTA cost saving measure, is set to make a return, according to Mayor Ruthanne Fuller.

Route 505 provided express bus service between Auburndale and West Newton and Boston via Lexington Street, Commonwealth Avenue, Washington Street and I-90, until low ridership put it on the chopping block along with late last year amid the pandemic. Fuller at the time decried That bus was a main avenue for Newton commuters to head into Boston and Boston workers to their jobs in Newton and beyond, according to business leaders.

It's not clear when the express bus will return, but Fuller said at a meeting between elected officials and MBTA leadership Thursday, acting MassDOT Secretary Jamey Tesler and MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak committed to restoring service on the 505 Express Bus to Boston this fall every 20 minutes.

"These changes are critical for business owners looking to attract workers from Boston to jobs here; as well as for Newton commuters; and efforts to create new housing along the Washington Street Corridor," said Newton Needham Chamber President Greg Reibman.

The MBTA offered a free shuttle bus that loops between the Newton’s three commuter rail stops and the Green Line, meant to replace the express bus, but ridership data indicated it wasn't very successful. Reibman said it wasn't helping.

Previously: Newton Mayor Decries MBTA Proposed Bus Cuts ...

At the meeting elected officials learned that in September there will be a public meeting for residents to see and give input to the 30 percent design for commuter rail stations in Auburndale, West Newton and Newtonville.

Tesler and Poftak also committed to fund the design, Fuller said, including making all three stations fully accessible and building dual, 800-foot platforms to allow for more frequent, all day, bi-directional service and an eventual transition to electric trains.

"We still have a long way to go (nailing down the funding for the construction and living through the years of work) but it’s exciting to have this 'green light,' Fuller said, thanking MassDOT, the MBTA and U.S. Congressperson Jake Auchincloss, State Senator Cindy Creem, State Rep. Kay Khan, City Council President Susan Albright and Ward 2 Councilor Emily Norton.