MBTA Strengthens Routes 714, 716 With Federal Funding

MBTA doubles vehicles on Routes 714, 716 starting April 5 with federal funding

MBTA Adds Buses to Routes 714, 716 in April

MBTA riders using Routes 714 and 716 will see more frequent service starting April 5 as the transit agency adds a second vehicle to each route. The expansion affects connections around Houghton's Pond and the Hingham-Hull communities, transit officials said. The changes come through $1.5 million in federal funding from the Transit Transformation Program.

Federal Program Supports Service Enhancement

The Federal Transit Administration's Transit Transformation Program is funding the pilot expansion, which officials announced March 12. The program supports transit agencies testing innovative service improvements to meet changing ridership patterns. Officials said the additional vehicles aim to reduce wait times and improve reliability on both routes, though specific headway reductions weren't provided. Transit agencies typically use pilot programs to test service changes before making permanent adjustments to route frequencies.

Two Routes Get Additional Vehicles

Each route will operate with two vehicles instead of one under the pilot program, effectively doubling capacity on both lines. Route 714 serves the Houghton's Pond area while Route 716 connects Hingham and Hull communities to the broader MBTA network. Officials didn't specify current ridership numbers for either route or projected ridership increases from the expansion. The $1.5 million federal grant covers the pilot program costs, though officials haven't said whether the service increase will become permanent after the pilot period ends.

Service Expansion Begins Early April

The enhanced service takes effect April 5, giving the MBTA about three weeks from the March 12 announcement to implement the changes. Officials didn't specify how long the pilot program will run or what metrics they'll use to evaluate its success. The agency typically monitors ridership data, on-time performance, and customer feedback during pilot programs to determine whether to make service changes permanent.

Riders Can Track Enhanced Service

Passengers using Routes 714 and 716 should see shorter waits and more scheduling flexibility once the additional vehicles begin operating. Officials said the expansion demonstrates the agency's commitment to improving service in communities south of Boston. Riders can track real-time bus arrivals and plan trips using Moovit, which provides schedule updates and service alerts for MBTA routes throughout the Greater Boston area.