As a resident of Metro Boston, I am deeply concerned about the recent changes made to the MBTA bus service, specifically the discontinuation of the original 504 express bus line. This petition aims to address this issue and advocate for the reinstatement of the original 504 express bus service line that does not go through Copley Square.  This change also calls for the 502 bus line (now confusingly renamed to the 504 line) to be reinstated.  In short we are calling for the original, pre-pandemic 504/502 express bus service configuration and related schedules.

Personal Story:
My name is Tony, and I am a commuter who heavily relied on the previous 504 express bus service to get to work in a timely manner. However, since its discontinuation during the pandemic, my daily commute has become increasingly challenging and frustrating. The renaming of route 502 as route 504 has only exacerbated this problem.

The current situation forces all buses heading towards Financial District to pass through Copley Square, resulting in significant delays and overcrowding. As ridership levels have now exceeded pre-pandemic levels, it is clear that relying solely on one route is no longer practical or efficient for commuters like myself.

Reasons for Reinstating Original 504 Express Bus Service Line:

1. Time Efficiency: The original 504 express bus line provided a direct route to Financial District without going through Copley Square. This allowed commuters to reach their destinations faster and more reliably. Restoring this service will ensure that individuals can get to work on time without unnecessary delays.

2. Overcrowding: With all buses now passing through Copley Square before reaching Financial District, overcrowding has become a major issue during peak hours. This not only compromises passenger comfort but also raises concerns regarding public health and safety amidst ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

3. Increased Demand: It is evident that ridership levels have surged beyond pre-pandemic numbers as people return to their workplaces in full force. The current bus service fails to meet these increased demands, resulting in long wait times and packed buses. By reinstating the original 504 express bus service line, the MBTA can better accommodate this surge in demand.

4. Unreliable and Sparse Service: Since the changes made during the pandemic, many commuters have experienced unreliable and infrequent bus service. This has caused unnecessary stress and inconvenience for individuals who rely on public transportation to commute to work or other essential activities.

By signing this petition, we urge the MBTA to listen to our concerns as Metro Boston residents and reinstate the original 504 express bus service line that bypasses Copley Square. We believe that restoring this route will significantly improve commuting experiences for countless individuals who depend on public transportation daily.

Together, let's ensure a more efficient, reliable, and accessible public transit system for all Metro Boston residents!

Anthony Patsicostas