By Tiffany Williams –
Boston plans to launch five free community shuttle routes in early 2027, expanding transportation options in Mattapan, Roxbury, Allston-Brighton, Charlestown and the Lower Mystic, and the South Boston Waterfront. Mayor Michelle Wu announced the Link Bus initiative Friday, saying the publicly accessible services will connect neighborhoods with the MBTA and destinations including jobs, schools, medical care and local businesses.
The program has approximately $11.5 million in federal Congestion Relief Program funding administered through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The money will support three years of shuttle operations and forms part of a broader $21.6 million LINKUP Greater Boston award that also includes approximately $10 million for Bluebikes expansion and access to e-bikes.
Three services will operate with transportation management associations serving Allston-Brighton, Charlestown and the Lower Mystic, and the Seaport. The city, through the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Boston, will competitively select operators for Mattapan and Roxbury.
Routes, stops, schedules and service models for Mattapan and Roxbury have not been finalized. Officials plan to work with residents, businesses, elected officials and community organizations to identify the most useful connections before service begins.
During the federally funded operating period, the city will evaluate ridership and demand while exploring options to sustain the routes. Rider schedules and stop information will be available through the city’s website once the services launch.
The new shuttles will complement existing transit and build on Boston’s experience with the Mission Hill Link, Lower Mystic Link and EZRide. The city also supports fare-free service on MBTA Routes 23, 28 and 29 through the end of 2026.