A growing number of commuters utilize bike-sharing services such as Bluebikes to get to work because they find the service convenient and affordable. #Cyclists in East Boston face several challenges biking to work, especially those who work downtown because bringing bikes onto public transit is highly regulated.

The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) has particular rules for passengers who want to bring bicycles along for the ride. To make the MBTA more bike-friendly, then-councilors Lydia Edwards and Michelle Wu proposed a pilot program to reserve a car for commuters on the Blue Line specifically dedicated to bicycles in October 2020, but no such program has been initiated. 

Bicycles are not allowed on MBTA vehicles during rush hours (7 to 10 a.m. and between 4 and 7 p.m. on weekdays) and are not permitted at any time on the Green Line or Mattapan Trolley. They can be carried onto ferries, but the service only connects to East Boston at Logan Airport. According to Lydia Edwards, they needed to reduce the traffic on frequently congested roads.

Supporters of a bike-only commuter car believe it could unlock the public transit system's ability to be a public good for everyone, reducing carbon emissions and encouraging people to make healthier decisions. Others believe there are better solutions than a dedicated car, saying that it is not feasible to dedicate an entire vehicle for bikes in light of ridership demand.

The question up for debate: Should MBTA’s blue line include a dedicated car for bikes?