MBTA Cuts Ribbon on New England's First Center-Running Bus Lane on Columbus Avenue

BOSTON — July 22, 2026 — The MBTA opened New England's first center-running bus lane on Columbus Avenue in Boston on Tuesday, July 22, serving more than 8,000 daily riders on routes 22, 29, and 44. MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, Mayor Kim Janey, and state Transportation Secretary Jamey Tesler spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Eggleston Square, marking completion of a project that went from concept to opening in two years. The dedicated center lane, which runs from Eggleston Square to Jackson Square, includes raised near-level boarding platforms, real-time information screens, new shelters with emergency call boxes, and pedestrian safety upgrades at every intersection along the corridor. Officials said riders can expect four to eight minutes of time savings per trip. Stacey Thompson, Executive Director of Livable Streets Alliance and a self-described Eggleston Square bus rider, called it "probably the best bus priority project we have seen in decades," noting that nine out of ten riders on the 22 bus are people of color and framing every minute saved as progress toward closing a 64-hour bus equity gap. Poftak announced the MBTA is actively working to extend the lane from Jackson Square north to Ruggles Station.