Green Newton

The February 12 meeting for public comment on proposed MBTA changes to Newton bus routes, that had been postponed due to inclement weather,  has been rescheduled to Monday, March 4 from 6-8pm at the Watertown Police Department Community Room (552 Main St., Watertown).

Transportation accounts for 40% of Newton’s greenhouse gas emissions.   Increased mass transit use is one way to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Below is a very brief summary of proposed changes to Newton MBTA buses.   To see the full details and comment on the draft proposal visit BetterBus.mbta.com.

Comments on the below proposed changes and suggestions for other changes need to be made before March 13.  Or attend the MBTA Community meeting on Tuesday, February 12, 6-8pm at Watertown Free Public Library (123 Main St., Watertown).

• Express buses to Boston 501, 502, 503 & 504 – MBTA proposes to eliminate the loop over the MassPike inbound for 501 & 503 and outbound for 502 & 504 and require riders to walk over the MassPike on Washington St or St James St to get to the bus stop.
• Bus 60 to the Chestnut Hill shopping centers – Eliminate stop at Langley Road to save one minute of travel time, will add new stop at Chestnut Hill Square.
• Bus 59 from Watertown Sq past NNHS, Library, Highlands T, Needham St to Needham Commuter Rail Stop – Double bus frequency and eliminate alternate Eliot St route.
• Bus 52 from Watertown, past Newton Center, Oak Hill and Brown Middle Schools, Oak Hill to Dedham Mall – Eliminate Winchester/Nahanton St alternate route and Parker/Dedham corner for permanent Wheeler route.