Data AnalysisVerified

Reviewed and published by trentmaziarz, July 9, 2026. Discovered and drafted by our automated research pipeline.

The MBTA deployed a machine-learning system developed by vendor LYT that predicts when a bus will approach each intersection, enabling Boston's traffic management center to extend green lights for buses in real time. A proof-of-concept test on Brighton Avenue in Allston, running from July 2024, reduced red-light wait times by 21% and cut overall travel time by 8% on routes 57 and 66; the MBTA and City of Boston announced plans to expand the system citywide in January 2025.

Details

The system uses machine-learning algorithms (developed by LYT, a third-party vendor) to track and predict bus locations using GPS data transmitted from buses to Boston's Traffic Management Center. The AI input is real-time bus GPS location data; the output is a prediction of when a bus will arrive at an intersection, which is used to trigger an extended green light. Development began in 2023, and the pilot launched in July 2024 at three intersections along Brighton Avenue. The primary vendor integrating the ML component is LYT; traffic signal vendor Control Technologies, Inc. (CTI) manages the infrastructure side.

Products affected

MBTA Bus Routes 57 and 66Better Bus ProjectTransit Signal Priority system

Sources & Evidence

News Article

How the MBTA Turned to AI to Improve Bus Travel Times in Allston Corridor

WROR·Feb 2025

https://wror.com/2025/02/13/how-the-mbta-turned-to-ai-to-improve-bus-travel-times-in-allston-corridor/

News Article

Faster bus commutes in Boston? That's the goal with coming traffic signal upgrades.

The Boston Globe·Jan 2025

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/30/metro/buses-boston-signal-upgrades/

News Article

Boston upgrades traffic signals to improve bus travel times and reliability

Gov1·Jan 2025

https://www.gov1.com/transportation/boston-upgrades-traffic-signals-to-improve-bus-travel-times-and-reliability

Company Disclosure

MBTA and City of Boston Announce Partnership to Improve Bus Reliability by Expanding Transit Signal Priority City-wide After Successful Test Along Brighton Avenue

MBTA·Jan 2025

https://www.mbta.com/news/2025-01-27/mbta-and-city-boston-announce-partnership-improve-bus-reliability-expanding-transit

Cite this record

Trace Foundation. (2026). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): The MBTA deployed a machine-learning system developed by vendor LYT that predicts when a bus will approach each intersection, enabling Boston's traffic management center to extend green lights for buses in real time. A proof-of-concept test on Brighton Avenue in Allston, running from July 2024, reduced red-light wait times by 21% and cut overall travel time by 8% on routes 57 and 66; the MBTA and City of Boston announced plans to expand the system citywide in January 2025 (data as of 2026-07-09) [Data set record]. AI Trace. https://www.aitrace.org/r/practice/f0fed671-61d6-4bde-8867-736b88529047. Accessed October 6, 2026.

Stable link: https://www.aitrace.org/r/practice/f0fed671-61d6-4bde-8867-736b88529047
Data as of: July 9, 2026
Last verified: Not recorded

How to cite AI Trace

Other practices by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

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