MBTA introduces new buses to No. Shore commuters

LYNN – New buses equipped with added security features and better pollution controls start rolling through Lynn and surrounding communities today.The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is adding the buses on 24 routes serving a dozen North Shore communities including Lynn, Revere, Saugus, Swampscott, Peabody and Marblehead.They will have engines built to comply, according to the MBTA, with “the most stringent engine exhaust emissions regulations” governing MBTA equipment. Their low floors make the new buses easier to board and exit.The buses are also equipped with bicycle racks for commuters who combine two wheels with mass transit and cameras to help deter crime. The MBTA is introducing the new equipment at a time when high gas prices are boosting bus as well as subway ridership.The agency is modernizing Blue Line platforms and renovating them to handle new, six-car subway trains. Wood Island station is closed for platform repairs and reopens on Aug. 16.Revere Beach station is closed and reopens on Aug. 25 when work shifts to Beachmont station through Sept. 19.Wood Island commuters can board a bus for a connection to subway trains running from Airport station. Revere Beach riders can catch a bus to trains running from Wonderland while work is underway and commuters who typically take trains from Beachmont can board buses to Airport and Orient Heights station.The MBTA plans to alert riders before mid-September about additional station closures and temporary bus shuttles required while extra work is done in Blue Line stations.MBTA employees will hand out brochures, post signs and make public address announcements providing details about the additional work.