New Bus Routes Take Effect April 3

MeVa, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, is rolling out changes to their routes on April 3, 2023. This includes new names and routes for the buses serving Newburyport. The City was closely involved in the design of the new routes, and we believe it will lead to more direct and timely service while continuing to offer access to the destinations riders need to reach.

The new Route 19 makes modifications to a previous route that connected Costello Station in Amesbury and Newburyport, and will now include service to the Newburyport MBTA Commuter Rail Station. The route provides services along Merrimac Street, including to the Towle Office Building, and connects downtown Newburyport to Anna Jacques Hospital, the Newburyport Senior Center, and Port Plaza.

The Route 20 Bus connects Newburyport to Salisbury Beach, providing new direct service between the two municipalities. It will also double service frequency to the Commuter Rail Station and to Salisbury Beach.  

In addition, the new Route 17 will run from Haverhill to Salisbury Beach, and will include service to downtown Amesbury and Elm Street in Salisbury.

As a reminder, MeVa offers free transit throughout the Merrimack Valley, and riders can enjoy this faster and more direct service for free for at least the next year. The system will also be transitioning from being a flag system, in which riders can hail the bus anywhere along its route, to instead having defined stops that will be marked by signage. The City looks forward to continuing to work with MeVa leadership to better serve residents and the greater Newburyport community.

You can learn more on MeVa's website here: https://www.mvrta.com/