Boston Bus Lane Project Stalls at Jackson Square

Final mile of Columbus Avenue busway postponed indefinitely at Jackson Square

Columbus Avenue Bus Lanes Stall at Jackson Square

Boston's plan to complete a continuous busway along Columbus Avenue has stalled indefinitely at Jackson Square, leaving a critical gap in the city's transit network. The final mile of the project was originally scheduled for completion in 2025 but has been postponed without a clear timeline, transit officials said. The unfinished section represents the last piece of what was intended to be a dedicated bus corridor from Roxbury to downtown Boston.

Background

The Columbus Avenue bus lanes are considered a key component of Boston's strategy to improve public transit and reduce traffic congestion. The project aimed to create a continuous dedicated busway that would speed up bus service and provide more reliable transit connections for neighborhoods along the corridor. Local residents and transit advocates have expressed frustration over the delays, which they believe undermine efforts to promote sustainable transportation options. City officials haven't provided specific reasons for the postponement or detailed cost estimates for completing the final section.

Key Details

The unfinished section runs through the Jackson Square neighborhood and represents the final mile of the planned busway. Transit advocates argue that the gap at Jackson Square reduces the overall effectiveness of the dedicated bus lanes that have already been installed along other parts of Columbus Avenue. Without the completed connection, buses still face mixed traffic conditions in the Jackson Square area, limiting the time savings and reliability improvements the full project was designed to deliver. Officials haven't said what specific obstacles have prevented completion of this final section.

Timeline

The project was originally scheduled for completion in 2025, but that deadline passed without progress. City officials haven't provided a clear timeline for when the final mile might be completed or when planning might resume. John Kyper, a Roxbury resident who's witnessed the delays over the past four decades, expressed disappointment when the 2025 completion date came and went. The indefinite postponement means riders won't see the full benefits of the bus lane system in the near future.

Rider Impact

The stalled project means bus riders along Columbus Avenue continue to face slower, less reliable service through the Jackson Square area where dedicated lanes remain incomplete. Transit advocates say the gap undermines the effectiveness of bus lanes already installed along other parts of the corridor. Riders can track current bus service and delays through Moovit, which provides real-time updates for Boston transit routes. Officials haven't announced whether alternative improvements might be considered while the final section remains postponed.