The MBTA is preparing for the launch of its Silver Line SL-3 expansion, which begins service on Saturday, April 21. This bus rapid transit expansion is poised to transform transportation and daily commutes throughout the City.
According to MBTA information, the new SL-3 buses will connect previously distant areas—bringing South Station within just 27 minutes of Mystic Mall for the first time.
“can’t get there from here” Materials from the T indicate that “SL3 will make commuting to the Airport, Seaport, or South Station better for anyone who rides bus routes 111, 112, 114, 116, 117, anyone travelling on the Blue Line, or anyone who is driving,” and “Right now, your commute might be pretty complicated. If you’re going to the South Station area, you probably start out on a bus, and then make a few transfers to get to the Red Line. If you drive, you deal with a lot of traffic, and pay for tolls, and parking.”
On Wednesday, MBTA General Manager Luis Ramirez traveled to Chelsea for an advance look at the new service. He rode the SL-3 from Airport Station to the new Chelsea Station, joined by Deputy City Manager Ned Keefe and other MBTA officials.
Operating hours for the new SL-3 service in Chelsea run from 5 a.m. to 12:55 a.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend service begins at 5:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 6:30 a.m. on Sundays.
During peak hours—7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.—buses arrive every 10 minutes. Off-peak and weekend service operates on 12 to 15 minute intervals.
Three brand new heated stations featuring covered bike racks will serve Chelsea:
- Chelsea Station – 174 Everett Ave.
- Bellingham Station – 225 Arlington St.
- Box District Station – 200 Highland St.
- Eastern Avenue Station – 40 Eastern Ave.
The 111 bus will also receive enhancements as part of this project.
Of the 111 bus’s current 11,700 riders, approximately 2,000 are expected to transition to SL-3 service, easing congestion on the existing route.
The MBTA also intends to collaborate with Chelsea to further improve the 111 bus through potential dedicated bus lanes and signal optimization.