A recent analysis by the transit advocacy group TransitMatters has revealed a troubling slowdown in MBTA bus service across Boston, with Route 1 emerging as the slowest in the system and Route 23 experiencing the highest level of bus bunching. The report underscores the impact of traffic congestion and limited enforcement of bus lanes on service reliability, prompting renewed focus from the MBTA on improving bus operations.

The findings, which cover service across key areas including Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester, paint a picture of declining bus performance. According to the report, Route 1 buses now travel at an average speed of just 6 miles per hour—down from 6.6 mph in previous measurements—making it the slowest route in the network. Other notably sluggish routes include CT3, SL4, and SL5.

In addition to speed issues, the report highlights severe bus bunching, particularly on Route 23, which was identified as the most affected. Routes 111 and 1 also ranked among the top in terms of bunching, a phenomenon where buses arrive too closely together or in groups instead of at regular intervals, leading to longer wait times and overcrowded vehicles.

Caitlin Allen-Connelly, a representative of TransitMatters, pointed to two primary causes for the degradation in service: increasing traffic congestion and a lack of automated enforcement of bus lanes. These factors, she said, have made it difficult for buses to maintain schedules and provide consistent service.

The MBTA acknowledged the issues raised in the report and emphasized that enhancing bus speed and reliability remains a priority. In a statement, the agency noted its ongoing commitment to addressing these service challenges.

TransitMatters has advocated for the expansion of dedicated bus lanes and the implementation of automated enforcement measures to ensure buses can move efficiently through congested corridors. Such changes, the group argues, would not only improve punctuality but also make public transit a more viable option for daily commuters.

While no specific timeline for improvements has been announced, the MBTA has indicated that plans are underway to address the concerns. In the meantime, riders across Boston continue to grapple with delays and inconsistent service as transit officials work to implement solutions.