In Boston, the debate over the effectiveness of bus lanes continues, with a mix of positive and negative experiences from residents and workers in Roxbury. The city and the T (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) have touted the benefits of the lanes, including quicker bus trips, reduced car speeds, and improved safety for bus riders. However, attitudes among Roxbury residents and workers remain divided, with some welcoming the prioritization of transit and others expressing confusion and safety concerns.
Data on safety improvements along the Columbus Avenue segment is mixed. The city reports a decline in injury-causing crashes, while Boston Police data shows a marginal decrease in overall vehicle collisions. The T, however, has seen an increase in 'major' collisions involving its buses since 2021, which some experts find surprising. The T attributes these crashes to dangerous and illegal maneuvers by non-agency drivers, with only one incident in 2023 considered preventable by the bus driver.
The T is exploring updates to the bus lane design to prevent illegal entry and crossing. They have already implemented some changes, such as enhanced physical barriers, banning left turns, and adjusting signal timing at intersections. The agency plans to extend the lanes to Ruggles and is considering bus-exclusive street space along Blue Hill Avenue, drawing inspiration from the Columbus Avenue lanes.
While proponents argue that center-running bus lanes improve speed and reliability for bus-reliant neighborhoods, critics express skepticism. Some residents in Roxbury feel that the lanes have worsened traffic congestion and safety issues, with drivers trespassing into bus zones and vehicles barreling past bus stops. A city report from 2023 found that car trips along the corridor took longer after the lanes were introduced, while bus trips during rush hour were shortened.
Despite the controversy, some in Roxbury appreciate the bus lanes, seeing them as a step towards a more public transit-oriented city. However, the debate highlights the need for proactive measures to address rule-breakers and ensure the safety and efficiency of bus lanes, as seen in other cities like San Francisco, which has implemented automated enforcement cameras.
