39 Bus to Lose One in Five Stops, Gain Streamlining in Makeover

The T aims to make the 39 Bus — JP's busiest — faster.

The transit agency announced on Tuesday during a public meeting at the JFK School a wide-ranging plan to revamp the line.

The changes have been in the works for years, delayed by a lack of funds, among other problems. But the T says it can start construction in fall 2012. The project would be finished by spring 2013.

Chief among the changes is getting rid of one out of every five stops. The T will also make efforts to clearly label the bus zones, which are are supposed to be at least 60 feet long. That allows the bus to pull to the curb to accommodate disabled riders. The aim is stop Boston drivers from squatting at the bus stop.

The plan also proposes a series of "bump outs" where the sidewalk would bulge farther than it does today. That's supposed to help pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle drivers all see each other.

For details on particular stops in your block, consult the attached PDF.

There has been a particularly lively discussion of the changes on Universal Hub.

The project is made possible by a $10 million federal stimulus grant, according to the Globe.