59 Bus

59 Bus: Needham Junction to Watertown Square

PLEASE NOTE: As of August 1, 2024, a contactless payment option (which doesn’t require a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket) will be offered. See details below and on the MBTA’s Tap to Ride page.

Where can I go?

Newton Highlands T Station (Green Line D – Riverside)
Newton Free Library and Newtonville
Watertown Square — and an easy connection to Harvard Square via the 71 Bus

When?

Buses run about every 30-45 minutes M-F, and less frequently on weekends. View the online schedule. There is also a link on that page for downloading a pdf schedule.

Where do I board?

Bus stops at Needham Junction, Needham Center, Needham Free Library, Needham Heights and more. To see the stops, go to the Bus 59 Info and Maps.

Bus Fares:

Bus fares are modest. See the MBTA Fares Overview for price and transfer information, including one-way tickets and different kinds of passes, for all modes of transportation. Note that reduced fares are available for eligible customers. Children age 11 and under ride for free.

How do I pay?

It’s now easier than ever! As of August 1, 2024, the MBTA is offering an option for contactless Tap to Ride payment on bus, Green Line and Mattapan trolleys, and all gated subway stations. This means that there will be new Tap to Ride screens that enable you to pay by simply tapping your contactless debit/credit card, phone, or watch with a mobile wallet.

CharlieCards or CharlieTickets may still be used, (and must be used for weekly or monthly passes) but be sure to tap them on the old readers that you’ve always used, not on the new Tap to Ride screens. Cash on board is accepted on buses, however it will hold up the line. If using cash, try to use exact change.

What if you’re enrolled in a reduced fare program? You can still use your existing Reduced Fare CharlieCard (tapped on the old reader) but you can also choose to link your benefits to your contactless credit/debit card, phone, or watch. See more details.