The MBTA #7 bus serves the residents of Southie, transporting riders from South Boston to Boston's financial district. South Boston is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Boston -- in fact, between 2004 and 2014 #7 bus trips increased 26% while ridership grew 65% (Source: MBTA). Unfortunately MBTA service has not kept up with the huge population growth and many riders are left stranded as full buses pass by, eventually squeezing in to standing room only space on #7 buses each day. An MBTA sponsored community meeting was held on October 26th, 2016 but there were no concrete plans to increase the frequency of the #7 bus during peak transit hours. One proposal presented by the MBTA -- an express bus route from City Point to downtown Boston -- does not address the lack of bus capacity currently hindering ridership. In fact, moving the primary station to City Point (from East Broadway) would adversely affect many South Boston residents who live south of East Broadway. Instead, increasing the number of #7 buses in operation during peak transit hours would result in reduced wait times. Furthermore, adding Silver Line express buses from South Station to East Broadway would better address the current situation. The population in South Boston is only going to continue to grow as GE moves their headquarters to Fort Point along with the continued expansion of the Seaport area. Please voice your support for increased MBTA service to South Boston by contacting the MBTA at serviceplanning@mbta.com and/or State Representative Nick Collins (Nick.Collins@mahouse.gov).