What is the “We Love the 55” Campaign?

This campaign was inspired by the resilient and successful advocacy in 2020 when the line was completely shut down. Our goal is to continue to advocate for a reliable and resilient bus for riders!

The #55 Coalition was assembled in 2021 in response to #55 cuts, schedule reduction, and a Bus Network Redesign that proposed a route incompatible with community needs.

During the pandemic in 2020, the MBTA completely cut service to 55 route. Today, the 55 route has been restored partially. However, its current schedule (10AM to 4PM) and limited route (ending at Copley instead of Park Street) do not meet current community needs, nor will ridership of the limited route and schedule provide the means to assess the need of a growing Fenway. 

The 55-bus route serves a critical artery for Fenway residents, visitors, and employees of our neighborhood and institutions. This route is especially critical for seniors and people with accessibility needs who rely on the bus as their main form of public transportation. The route provides a direct connection between the West Fenway to other neighborhoods: the East Fenway, Back Bay, and at one-point, direct connection to Beacon Hill, and Downtown. There are 410 homes for elders, people with disabilities, and working class on the 55 bus route alone. Additionally, the route encompasses essential services like Star Market and the Peterborough Senior Center. 

Reimagine the #55 Bus

The 55 Bus Route Coalition’s actively engaged with the MBTA’s Bus Network Redesign to ensuring that the redesign of the #55 adequately meets the needs of Fenway residents, with emphasis on the needs of individuals with mobility challenges and seniors. We have participated in meetings with the MBTA Bus Network Redesign project team, attended public hearings, created a petition with 200+ signatures, and conducted a community focus group as part of our advocacy efforts.  

As the Fenway and adjacent neighborhoods are experiencing an expansion of residential and retail development, full scale bus service that offers reliable transit service is essential. The additional residents, employees, patrons, and visitors will require multiple transportation options as an already over capacity and overcrowded Green Line does not suffice in transporting passengers between the West Fenway and its adjacent neighborhoods.

Our mission is to advocate for a dependable and resilient bus service that truly serves the needs of residents, visitors, and working class. 10 AM – 4 PM service hours are not accessible for many. Join us in championing a reliable 55 bus route for all riders!

Happy #55 Bus Day

#55 BUS STUDY, FALL 2022

This study, resulting from the MGM Music Hall community engagement process, analyzes the pre-COVID and current #55 bus service. It explores ways to enhance mobility on and around the route, including an evaluation of the Bus Network Redesign proposal.

Key Findings Include:

• Community-based criteria evaluation results, and public feedback heard during this study,strongly support restoring the former #55 route alignment with a possible extension to the LMA(slide 19).

• The technical analysis revealed the two top-performing options in terms of increasing ridership are to restore the former #55 route alignment with enhanced service levels or to restore the former #55 route alignment with an extension to Ruggles Station (slide 21).

• The technical analysis found the most cost-effective option, in terms of operating cost per weekday boarding, is to restore the former #55 route alignment with enhanced service levels.

The #55 Bus has been a vital method of transportation in the Fenway neighborhood for decades. Recently, both the hours and route were cut: the #55 currently runs only from 10am to 4pm, and the slashed route ends at Copley Square instead of Park Street. There are countless reasons to take the #55, but here are our favorites at each stop:

Saint James Ave @ Dartmouth St

The first stop of the #55 puts you at Copley Square. The Square hosts a farmer’s market every Tuesday and Friday (from May through November) and is surrounded by many historical landmarks such as the Old South Church, John Hancock Tower. The Boston Public Library is also close by in addition to a variety of restaurants and shops on the infamous Newbury Street just two blocks away.

Belvidere St @ Huntington Ave

The Prudential Center boasts over 100 stores and restaurants to browse. From Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, and the Cheesecake Factory to MAC Cosmetics, Warby Parker, Nespresso, and Barnes & Noble, almost anything you’re looking for can be found in the Prudential Center. The Christian Science Plaza and its Splash Fountain provide a relaxing space to rest after a day of shopping.

Dalton St @ Belvidere St

This stop is right next to Belvidere/Dalton Plaza. The Summer Shack, KINGS Dining and Entertainment, and a Flour Bakery are near the stop, as are two hotels: The Sheraton Hotel and the Hilton. King’s Hill Church and St. Cecillia Catholic Church are here. You are also a five-minute walk from the Hynes Convention Center and a seven-minute walk to Newbury Street and the Prudential Center.

Boylston St @ Massachusetts Ave

The Green Line is two minutes away from this stop, as well as a T.J. Maxx. This stop is also only steps away from Newbury Street and the Berklee Performance Center. A walk down Mass Ave showcases a variety of restaurants such as Love Art Sushi, Tatte, Supreme Pizza, and Pho Basil. The Edgerly Road Playground is also a short walk from Mass Ave. At this stop, you’ll also find yourself on the north side of the Emerald Necklace, perfect for a walk, run, or bike ride on a nice day.

Ipswich St @ Boylston St

Massachusetts Historical Society is home to many rare early-American documents. Berklee College of Music and its bookstore are next to the stop, and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee is a short walk away. Restaurants near the stop are Boston Burger Company, the Bebop, Shah’s Halal Food, and Pad Thai Cafe.

This stop across the street from the fens’ flagpole and message board is close to the Fenway Garden Society at the Victory Gardens, one of the only two continuously operating victory gardens since its opening during World War II. The Red Sox Teammates Statue is across the street and next to the Ted Williams Statue (memorializing the veteran and last MLB player to hit .400 or above in a season). This is also the closest stop on the line to Boston Arts Academy, Boston’s only public high school for the arts.

Ipswich St @ Lansdowne St

As you get off the bus, you will find yourself directly across from MGM Music Hall and a few steps away from Fenway Park. Across the street you’ll find several bars including the Lansdowne Pub and Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co., as well as a southern restaurant and a bowling alley. Further down Lansdowne Street, you will find the Citizens House of Blues, another live music venue, the Bleacher Bar, and the Lansdowne Garage.

Boylston St @ Jersey St

This stop puts you off at one of Boston’s most famous attractions: Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox have called Fenway Park home since 1912, and it is currently the oldest stadium still in used by MLB. Fenway Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 and is also a landmark at the end of the Boston Irish Heritage Trail. Considered one of the world’s most well-known sporting venues, Fenway Park has hosted a variety of sporting events in its 112-year run.

Kilmarnock St @ Peterborough St

Many great restaurants are near this stop. Phinista Café offers a wide and delicious variety of Vietnamese food. If you find yourself in the mood for Texas-style barbeque, Sweet Cheeks Q is the place to go. If you’re looking for something a little healthier, Cava has a nice selection of Mediterranean food. Tatte and Caffe Nero are your go-to stops for pastries and coffee. Star Market, Target, and Sephora are also just a few steps away from the stop, making this a great area for a casual outing.

Kilmarnock St @ Queensberry St

Ramler Park, a small park “filled with flowering trees designed to attract migrating birds”, is also nearby. Ramler Park is open 7 days a week until 11:30 p.m. and sometimes hosts events (concerts, yoga, etc.). The Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral is within walking distance of this stop. Shattuck International House, a dorm for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health housing international and domestic students, is nearby as well.

Queensbury St @ Jersey St

This stop also puts you within steps of the Back Bay Fens, a well-known Boston landmark and greenspace. The Fenway Basketball Courts, James P. Kelleher Rose Garden, the Japanese Bell, and Clemente field are all close by. Boston’s Emerald Necklace Conservatory is also headquartered near this corner. Restaurants near this stop include Matcha Cafe Maiko (a shop selling authentic matcha foods) Thaitation (a family-owned Thai restaurant), and The Sipping Room by Breeze (a unique coffee & tea shop).

Ways to get more involved:

Join the coalition’s email list to stay updated on our advocacy efforts. We also announce our meetings to this list! Join today!

Get Started as an MBTA Bus Operator


Since the pandemic, the MBTA has struggled to maintain adequate bus drivers! This has caused delays to the the implementation of the Bus Network Redesign. Help the MBTA increase their bus driver availability by sharing this with your networks!

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– $31.47/hour, $65,458/year
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