Changes are coming to two Arlington bus routes on April 5, when the 87 and 350 routes will be streamlined. The changes come from MBTA’s multi-year Better Bus Project, and will bring more service to the town.
The project, announced in 2018 and expected to be completed in 2029, aims to improve the MBTA’s service, matching demand levels and improving facilities. While MBTA ridership averages are still short of pre-pandemic levels, recent jumps in ridership are making the need for updates crucial to manage rising demand.
“Improving bus service and connectivity continues to be a major priority for the MBTA. Keeping the entire system in mind, we aim to create an even more robust network and are consistently looking at ways to enhance service. We are proud of the ongoing work our employees partake in to improve bus service year-round, including accessibility upgrades, route changes, and rider outreach/education,” an MBTA spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
The change is designed to eliminate non-standard patterns, increasing simplicity and connectivity. For example, routes like the 87 run “short-turn” patterns, where the bus will turn at Clarendon Hill instead of traveling the entire route from Lechmere to Arlington Center.
This means that riders between Clarendon Hill and Arlington Center are not served by the 87’s non-standard route. In eliminating the “short-turn,” the 87 will run its current full-length route only, which will increase service to Arlington.
Non-standard patterns will also be eliminated on Route 350. Currently, some runs skip the North Burlington Road and spend the entire route on Cambridge Street. This change will provide more service and connection to the retail area and Lahey Hospital.
Arlington Town Manager Jim Feeney said his office hasn’t received any concerns regarding the change, adding that based on information from the MBTA, it appears Arlington may get more service, especially on weekends.
The town can expect to see a 23 percent increase in service of the 87 on weekdays, a 30 percent increase on Saturdays, and an 8 percent increase on Sundays, according to MBTA data.
Eliminating non-standard patterns will cause timetables to shift. However, the change should have no significant downside, according to the MBTA.
Riders of the short-turn pattern of the 87 should see no changes, except that outbound riders to Clarendon Hill will now need to cross Broadway. As the bus will now continue to Arlington, it will not pull directly into the busway.
Non-standard route riders of the 350 will no longer be able to use the stop at Cambridge Street and Burlington Mall Road, as the full route does not service that stop. Users of that stop can use the 76 Cambridge Street stop instead, which is less than a quarter of a mile up the road.
This story, published Feb. 27, 2026, is part of the Boston University Statehouse Program.