Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate mapping multiple evolved packet system (EPS) bearers to a single relay eNB radio bearer. In particular, an upstream eNB can select a radio bearer of a downstream eNB for association to an EPS bearer; the selection can be based on a best effort match or substantially any logic. The upstream eNB can store an association between the radio bearer and EPS bearer for subsequent downstream packet routing. The upstream eNB can also provide an indication of the selected radio bearer to the downstream relay eNB to facilitate upstream packet routing therefrom. The upstream eNB can alternatively select the radio bearer of the downstream eNB for association to the EPS bearer based on a quality of service (QoS) class identifier (QCI) of the EPS bearer.