Attention W1 Riders: 505 Express Bus Fares Are Dropping
August 12, 2026
The MBTA is cutting fares on all seven express bus routes—including the 505 from Waltham Center to downtown Boston.
As part of its Fall 2026 fare pilots, the MBTA is eliminating its higher express bus fare and bringing all bus routes into alignment at $1.70 for a full fare and $0.85 for a reduced fare. (Current express bus rates are $4.25 for a full fare and $2.10 for a reduced fare.) This will affect seven express routes, including the 505 from Waltham Center to downtown Boston.
For The Grid’s Route W1 riders, that means a significantly cheaper connection from Waltham Center into Boston. The MBTA’s Route 505 serves Waltham Center and downtown Waltham, continues through Auburndale and West Newton, and then runs express to downtown Boston with stops at Lincoln St @ Essex St and Federal St @ Franklin St.
Learn more: MBTA 2026 Fall Fare Pilots →
