Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

03/11/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/12/2026 07:47

MBTA Expands Bus Service Around Houghton’s Pond and Hingham/Hull

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) today announced a one-year service pilot to expand service on bus routes 714and 716, supported by $1.5 million in federal Transit Transformation Program funding combined with MBTA investment. The enhancements will improve service for riders in Boston (Mattapan), Canton, Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, and Milton.

"I'm proud of the team at the MBTA for fulfilling the requests of riders who wanted access to Houghton's Pond and connections to other parts of the MBTA system like the commuter rail," said Interim Secretary and General Manager Phillip Eng. "I want to thank the FTA and local municipalities for prioritizing last-mile connections. Enhancing bus routes like the 714 and 716 are important to rider equity and I'm looking forward to seeing even more people use the bus, ferry, and commuter rail this summer."

Beginning Sunday, April 5, 2026, both routes will add a second vehicle, allowing for more frequent service and expanded connections. Stops along these routes are in the process of transitioning from flag stops to permanent bus stops, but for the time being, riders should flag the stop they wish to enter or exit the bus along the fixed route.

Route 714 (Hull Ferry Terminal in Hull to Hingham Depot in Hingham)

This route will operate approximately every 30 minutes, seven days a week. This is an improvement from the current 60 minutefrequency between buses. Service will strengthen connections to the Hull Ferry, Route 220 in Hingham, and introduce a new connection to the Commuter Rail at Nantasket Junction.

"I am grateful to see additional commitment to the 714 busroute through more frequent runs and a stop at Nantasket Junction," said Representative Joan Meschino. "This is crucial to ensuring we create easy options for the 'last mile,' connecting individuals who take the ferry and commuter rail to their homes, schools, medical facilities, grocery stores, places of worship, and jobs. This makes our community more livable and shows the MBTA's understanding of the region's unique transportation needs."

"The Town of Hull is excited to collaborate with the MBTA in the piloting of increased service on the 714 busline," said Town Manager Jennifer Constable. "Hull has long advocated for increased connectivity to both the ferry and commuter rail station at Nantasket Junction to support not only support multimodal transportation butalso increase access to and from the region. The increased service and connectivity goeven further by supporting the community goal to decrease vehicle emissions and minimize parking constraints. The town thanks the MBTA for its support and looks forward to an ongoing partnership."

"The MBTA pilot program in Hull of two buses an hour running between the rail and the ferry opens up a new world of public transportation for residents and visitors to Hull and Nantasket Beach," said Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce President Steven M. Greenberg. "Now everyone can take the boat or train to the bus to the beach and back to immerse themselves in nature and history, because there is no place like Hull."

Route 716 (Mattapan Station to the Village Shoppes of Canton)

This route will operate approximately every 40-45 minutes, seven days a week. This is an improvement from the current 70-90 minutefrequencies between buses. Sunday service will be introduced for the first time. Existing connections include the Brockton Area Transit Authority (BAT) Route 14, the Mattapan Trolley and local bus routes, and Commuter Rail service at Canton Center,and a new connection includes Commuter Rail Station Canton Junction.

Seasonal weekend service to Houghton's Pond will return on Route 716beginning Saturday, May 23, 2026, through Indigenous Peoples' Day, with earlier and more frequent service supported by the additional vehicle.

Houghton's Pond Recreation Area features a 24-acre pond and accessible beach for swimming, fishing, and relaxing as well as hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Area facilities also include ball fields, a concession stand, a playground, picnic areas, restrooms, a visitors' center, and more. Houghton's Pond Recreation Area is part of the Blue Hills Reservation, one of DCR's largest urban parks, stretching over 7,000 acres from Quincy to Dedham and Milton to Randolph. With its scenic views, varied terrain, accessible beach, and 125 miles of trails, the Blue Hills Reservation is a recreation destination for the region.

"The addition of a second bus and reduced wait times of the 716 routewill provide a boost to Canton's small businesses in Canton Center to the Village Shoppes," said Canton Town Administrator Charles Doody. "Visitors and residents now have a direct, reliable link to one of our town's premier shopping and dining destinations seven days a week. This service expansion will help to ensure that everyone in our community, from seniors to students, can easily enjoy everything Canton Center and the Village Shoppes have to offer."

"The Blue Hills Reservation is a treasured outdoor resource for the Boston Region, but residents who depend on public transit have limited options for reaching it," said Executive Director of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Tegin Teich. "The MBTA's seasonal service to Houghton's Pond advances a recommendation from the MPO's Blue Hills access study, developed in collaboration with community partners, and leverages MPO investments to open this special place to more communities across the region."

"The Blue Hills and Houghton's Pond are extraordinary landmarks in Greater Boston that connect communities together. Receiving higher quality access to green spaces for Mattapan residents upholds the city and transit agency's continuing commitment to transit equity. We hope this is just the start," shared Mattapan Food and Fitness Executive Director Kahlil Cooper and Active Living and Environment Coordinator Shavel'leOlivier.

"Access to our state parks should not require a car. Extending the 716 buspilot for a second season will help residents from Boston and Canton easily reach Blue Hills Reservation Houghton's Pond, promoting outdoor recreation, health, and community connections," said Executive Director of the Friends of the Blue Hills Jen Klein. "I fully support continuing this important service and look forward to working with the MBTA to help promote this important expanded service."

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority published this content on March 11, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 12, 2026 at 13:47 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]