MBTA, DCR Announce Seasonal 716 Bus Service Pilot to Houghton’s Pond on Saturdays This Summer

Posted on May 22, 2025

Photo from "Unlocking the Blue Hills" event in collaboration with the MBTA in October, 2024.

The MBTA and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced a service pilot this summer expanding Bus Route 716 on Saturdays to Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area within the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, MA.

"The Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to building a transportation system that expands access to opportunity, strengthens our economy, and enhances quality of life for all residents,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This summer, thousands of residents will have a joyful, stress-free way to reach the Blue Hills and Houghton’s Pond — no traffic worries, no parking challenges, just a ride on the MBTA. We are proud to launch this seasonal service as part of our intentional approach to expanding access where it matters most.” 

“One of our top priorities at DCR is ensuring that all Massachusetts residents and families have equitable access to our beautiful natural and recreational resources, because we know how important these areas are for building healthy communities,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “This bus route will provide thousands of residents and visitors with an opportunity to experience the unique urban oasis of the Blue Hills with a hike, an interpretive program, or a dip in the water to cool off from the summer heat.”

“Houghton’s Pond is a fantastic place to enjoy summer recreational activities, and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to transport people to the pond with the pilot 716 direct bus service this summer on Saturdays,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “This kind of summer schedule improvement on the 716 is a great example of our continued partnership with communities and the public we serve. We encourage everyone from near and far to grab your beach towels, leave your cars at home, and hop on the 716 to Houghton’s Pond this summer.”

As part of the Massachusetts State Parks system, the Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area features a 24-acre pond and accessible beach for swimming, fishing, and relaxing as well as hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Area facilities also include ball fields, a concession stand, a playground, picnic areas, restrooms, a visitors’ center, and more. Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area is part of the Blue Hills Reservation, one of DCR’s largest urban parks, stretching over 7,000 acres from Quincy to Dedham and Milton to Randolph. With its scenic views, varied terrain, accessible beach, and 125 miles of trails, the Blue Hills Reservation is a recreation destination for the region. 

DCR and the MBTA selected Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area for the pilot due to its use as a cooling area for those who are traveling from the city during the summer.    

Bus Route 716 operates between Cobbs Corner in Canton and Mattapan Station in Boston with connections to the Mattapan Line. The summer service pilot will operate on Saturdays from June 21 through October 11 (the Saturday of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend). Buses will operate every 90 minutes from approximately 8 AM to 8 PM, serving Houghton’s Pond in both directions via Hillside Street from MA-138/Washington Street. No other routing changes are planned for the 716 this summer.  

The launch of this expanded summer service pilot comes as a result of a robust multiyear outreach effort that included the MBTA Board of Directors, elected officials, transit advocates, nonprofit groups, municipal partners, local residents, youth groups, and more specifically requesting public transportation options to and from Houghton’s Pond. The MBTA will gather user feedback and ridership data as part of the pilot to inform future Bus Route 716 summer improvements. 

Statements of Support

Shavel’le Olivier, Executive Director, Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition: 

“The launch of the Route 716 Saturday service pilot to Houghton’s Pond represents a long-overdue and meaningful step toward transit equity and expanded access to outdoor recreational spaces. For too long, historically underserved communities have faced barriers to experiencing the natural beauty, wellness, and joy that places like the Blue Hills Reservation offer. This pilot—years in the making—is the result of persistent advocacy and collective action, and we are proud to have stood alongside so many community leaders and organizations in this work since 2021. By providing accessible and reliable transit to nature, this initiative creates new opportunities for individuals and families to connect with green space, prioritize their health, and reclaim their right to rest and recreation. We commend the MBTA for listening to and uplifting community voices, and for taking a concrete step toward more inclusive transportation solutions. The Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition is proud to support this pilot and remains deeply committed to advancing policies and partnerships that center equity, access, and community well-being.” 

Jen Klein, Executive Director, Friends of the Blue Hills: 

“Friends of the Blue Hills is thrilled to see the MBTA expand service to Houghton’s Pond. Less than three miles from the City of Boston, The Blue Hills is the largest green space in Greater Boston and should be accessible to everyone – regardless of whether they own a car. This pilot makes a major step forward towards equitable access to the Blue Hills. Everyone deserves access to the Blue Hills – for recreation, respite, community, and connection to nature. We are proud to have played a role in advocating for this vital link and look forward to continued progress together.” 

Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets, City of Boston: 

“We thank the MBTA for this important investment in connecting our neighborhoods to our region’s natural resources. To be able to board a bus and spend the day swimming, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors will be transformational for our families and residents. Expanding access to quality public transit improves the quality of life for Boston’s residents.” 

State Representative Rob Consalvo: 

“Many thanks to GM Eng and the MBTA for this incredibly important announcement. This will ensure that more of my constituents and many other citizens will able to enjoy this important natural resource.” 

The original press release can be found here.