Could Changes be in Store for the MBTA's 558 Bus?

 With nearly 200 apartments planned to be added along Pleasant Street in Watertown and the redevelopment of the Boston Scientific building, Watertown Town Councilor John Donohue has proposed changing the route of the MBTA's 558 bus so it runs the entire length of the Pleasant Street. 

The bus route runs from the Riverside T station in Newton, through Waltham, along River Street and into Watertown where the street changes to Pleasant Street. Currently the bus makes a right on Bridge Street and heads down Chapel Street eventually winding up in Newton Corner. From there it heads to downtown Boston.

Donohue would like to see the bus continue to the end of Pleasant Street, in Watertown Square, where it would then turn right and head down Galen Street to Newton Corner.

Along with serving Pleasant Street, local commuters could get to downtown Boston from Watertown Square as well as Riverside station, Donohue said. People at the Riverside Station could get to the 71 bus and connect to the Red line at Harvard Square.

Pleasant Street Developments

The change would serve the new residents of the Pleasant Street area, Donohue said.

"[New developments] are all driving demand up for public transportation," Donohue said.

Repton Place has added 179 units just off Pleasant Street, and the second phase could double that number. More housing is on its way.

The project at the  will add 139 units and  A proposal to build , which runs parallel to Pleasant Street.

The  at Pleasant and Bridge streets, is also being redeveloped, Donohue said.

The Process

Changing a bus route must be studied by the MBTA's staff, said T spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

"Suggested changes may be sent to the MBTA’s Service Planning staff, which evaluates requests and estimates whether the changes would attract more riders than would be lost, and other potential impacts on costs and bus operations," Pesaturo said. "After such an analysis, staff would makes a recommendation."

If the change is recommended by the T, town officials would be asked to support creating bus stops along the section of Pleasant Street on which buses do not currently travel, Pesaturo said. 

The change would then be brought up at Service Plan meetings to gather feedback, Pesaturo said.

"If feedback is favorable, staff would take it to the MBTA Board of Directors for approval in the Service Plan," Pesaturo said.