GreenRoots organizes and engages our transit-dependent community in accessing more reliable, affordable and equitable public transportation. A majority of Chelsea and East Boston residents rely on public transportation to get to work, school and important appointments. Join us in the fight for a people-centered public transportation system!

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Low car-ownership in Chelsea causes residents to rely heavily on public transportation. Approximately one third of residents do not own a car, and therefore must rely on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) bus and train routes or on rideshares to transport them.

American Community Survey (ACS), 2014-2018, Table DP04

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    Preserving the 112 Bus Route

    Threatened to be altered significantly.  This bus route serves two isolated neighborhoods where seniors, veterans, and low-income residents rely on this service.

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    Chelsea Public Transit Task Force

    Establishing the Chelsea Public Transit Task Force with the MBTA’s General Manager to address service concerns facing Chelsea riders.

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    Winning fare mitigation

    Winning fare mitigation (free fares) on the Silver Line and commuter rail during major construction projects on the Tobin Bridge

  • The ECO Youth Crew by an MBTA bus holding up their Youth Passes.

    Reduce Youth Pass

    Winning a reduced fare Youth Pass for youth ages 12-25

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    Bus Lanes

    Won a dedicated bus lane on the Tobin Bridge and bus lanes through Chelsea’s downtown.

Save on Transit Costs

If you're a senior or have a low income, you might qualify for discounted fares that can make getting around the city much more affordable. Click below to check out our complete guide that walks you through exactly how to apply and what you'll need to get started.

Income-Eligible Reduced Fare

Senior Pass

Contact Us

  • A woman in a beige tank top and white pants standing in front of a light background.

    Mónica Elias-Orellana

    Director of Health Equity and Mobility

    she, her, hers

    MonicaEO@greenrootsej.org

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    Mónica Elias-Orellana (she, her, hers)

    Mónica, a lifelong resident of Chelsea, brings a community-focused approach to policy development, advocacy, and organizing. With a robust background in DEI awareness, social justice strategy, and non-profit administration, she is dedicated to leading transformative campaigns in health equity, transit justice, and anti-displacement.

    In her previous roles, she ensured equitable access to services for Multilingual Learners at Boston Public Schools. Transitioning to The Neighborhood Developers as the Chelsea Community Building Manager, she adeptly identified community needs, oversaw impactful programs to bolster housing and economic self-sufficiency, and played a role in fostering community leaders. She now works as the Director of Health Equity and Mobility of GreenRoots.

    Mónica's dedication extends to her volunteer work, including event planning for Concert of Hope and serving on boards such as the City of Chelsea Board of Library Trustees. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2016, with a minor in Asian American Studies.

    Mónica's leadership and commitment have earned her prestigious accolades, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Young Adult Dreamers and Achievers Award. With her expertise and passion, Mónica continues to drive positive change, making a tangible difference in her community and beyond. 

  • Portrait of man in black shirt smiling.

    Giovanny Zuniga Piamba

    Transit Justice Organizer

    he, him, his

    GiovannyZP@greenrootsej.org

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    Giovanny Zuniga Piamba (he, him, his)

    Giovanny Zuniga Piamba is a Colombian who emigrated to Chelsea five years ago with his wife and two wonderful children, Valentina and Sebastián. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, a Master's Degree in Project Management from the University of Lebrija in Madrid, and an MBA in Business Management from EALDE Business School in Florida.

    He has experience working in public, cooperative, and solidarity economy entities, supporting vulnerable communities through social investment projects. In these roles, education and information access were fundamental pillars in achieving goals and positive outcomes. 

    He has participated as a volunteer in different community programs, events, and festivals in Chelsea and East Boston. Additionally, he has facilitated training sessions on topics of interest for Latino communities.

    As an immigrant who has gone through the process of adaptation and inclusion, Giovanny has sought to contribute to creating more effective communication channels between Latino communities and their environments. He believes that everyone should have the opportunity to realize what they can achieve with their previous knowledge and experience.

Program Events

  • 8
    Oct

    New Parking Policy in Chelsea?

    6:00 - 8:00pm

    GreenRoots Office (90 Everett Ave., 3rd Fl., Chelsea)

    The City of Chelsea is considering a citywide change to parking requirements that could remove minimum parking requirements for new development. Come learn from the City of Chelsea directly!

News

  • Paving over bus lane could be a bumpy road for Boston

    • In the News

    A bus lane on North Washington Street near TD Garden has recently disappeared as part of work on the Bill Russell Bridge to Charlestown.

  • Another Bus Lane Bites the Dust: Wu Administration Forces Chelsea, Charlestown Transit Riders to Wait In More Traffic

    • In the News

    Mayor Wu's administration has removed a dedicated northbound bus lane from North Washington Street in Boston that served nearly 15,000 daily riders, mostly low-income Hispanic commuters, without public hearings, marking the third such bus lane removal in the past year and coming just weeks before the MBTA planned to implement new automated enforcement on this heavily-used route.

  • We Are In It For the Long Haul

    GreenRoots reaffirms its commitment to supporting Chelsea and East Boston communities through challenges posed by climate, environmental, and social injustices. With a focus on resilience and empowerment, GreenRoots will continue advocating for residents' rights, organizing against harmful policies, and fostering inclusive community solidarity.

See All News

Your support is crucial in ensuring our work continues.

For 30 years, GreenRoots has restored acres of urban salt marsh, created new parks, increased public access to the waterfront and improved the water quality of Chelsea Creek.

Our organizing model is rooted in base-building and community, and your help makes us a stronger force. A contribution to GreenRoots means an investment in the futures of Chelsea and East Boston!

Donate Now

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