Columbus Avenue Bus Lanes Stall at Jackson Square

Planned expansion of dedicated bus lanes hits roadblock in Boston neighborhood

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:20am

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A serene, painterly scene of an empty bus stop on a sun-dappled Columbus Avenue street, capturing the sense of stalled progress and unfulfilled potential for improved public transportation.The unfinished Columbus Avenue bus lanes project leaves a critical gap in Boston's public transit network, frustrating residents and transit advocates.Boston Today

The long-planned expansion of dedicated bus lanes along Columbus Avenue in Boston has hit a roadblock, with the final mile of the project now indefinitely postponed. The project, originally slated for completion in 2025, has faced delays and setbacks, frustrating local residents who were eager for the busway's expansion.

Why it matters

The Columbus Avenue bus lanes are a key part of Boston's efforts to improve public transit and reduce traffic congestion. The unfinished section at Jackson Square has left a critical gap in the system, undermining the overall effectiveness of the dedicated lanes.

The details

The Columbus Avenue bus lanes project aimed to create a continuous busway from Roxbury to downtown Boston. However, the final mile through the Jackson Square neighborhood has now been indefinitely postponed, with no clear timeline for its completion. Local residents and transit advocates have expressed frustration over the delays, which they say are hindering efforts to promote sustainable transportation options in the city.

  • The Columbus Avenue bus lanes project was originally slated for completion in 2025.
  • The final mile of the project through Jackson Square has now been indefinitely postponed.

The players

John Kyper

A Roxbury resident who has witnessed the delays in the Columbus Avenue bus lanes project over the past four decades.

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What they’re saying

“I was eager for the construction of the final mile of this busway and was frustrated to see its originally projected 2025 completion date come and go. Then I was appalled to read in”

— John Kyper, Roxbury resident

What’s next

City officials have not provided a clear timeline for when the final mile of the Columbus Avenue bus lanes project might be completed, leaving residents and transit advocates uncertain about the future of the project.

The takeaway

The stalled progress on the Columbus Avenue bus lanes highlights the challenges cities face in implementing critical public transit infrastructure, even when there is broad support for such projects. The unfinished section at Jackson Square underscores the need for more coordinated and transparent planning to ensure the timely delivery of these important transportation improvements.