Boston announces free Link Bus routes and return of Hub on Wheels

Mayor Michelle Wu has announced several new community and transportation initiatives for the City of Boston. The city will launch five free Link Bus routes designed to provide last-mile service between residential neighborhoods and transit stops. These routes will serve Mattapan, Roxbury, Allston-Brighton, Charlestown, the Lower Mystic, and the South Boston Waterfront, aiming to improve access to the MBTA, jobs, schools, and healthcare.

The Link Bus program is supported by approximately $11.5 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Relief Program. This is part of a larger $21.6 million LINKUP Greater Boston award that also includes funding to expand Bluebikes and e-bike access. The federal grant will fund three years of shuttle operations while the city evaluates ridership and long-term sustainability.

Additionally, the city is bringing back Hub on Wheels, a family-friendly community bike ride. The event will feature a car-free Storrow Drive and routes through 13 neighborhoods, concluding with a festival at City Hall Plaza. The initiative is supported by a multi-year title sponsorship from Wayfair.