By the time you’re reading this, Green Line trains will be journeying along five brand new stations. That’s right, it’s finally opening day for the Green Line Extension .
ICYMI, the Union Square Station opened in March. Now, the remaining stations — East Somerville, Gilman Square, Magoun Square, Ball Square, and Medford/Tufts — are ready for passengers.
Why is this a big deal?
The project has been planned for three full decades, has a price tag of $2.3 billion, and will lead to an estimated 50,000+ train trips per day.
The City of Somerville summed up just how much work has gone into this effort:
“After decades of advocacy, a lawsuit, endless planning, delays, a miraculous win of federal funding, more advocacy, an 11th hour save via a $50 million payment, bridge closures, travel disruptions, and several years of less-than-welcome construction impacts, the Green Line Extension is finally here.”
What’s different?
Get ready for a brand new sound. Frank Oglesby, who has been the voice of the MBTA since 1997, is being replaced with a text-to-speech service on all train lines.
Plus, payment looks a bit different at these new stations. Here’s a look at how to validate your fare before hopping on board.
How can I mark the occassion?
There will be plenty of pomp and circumstance at two community events hosted in Somerville.
🗓️ Opening Day Celebration | Monday, Dec. 12 | 7-8 a.m. | Ball Square Station | Perhaps you were on the historic first ride at 4:45 a.m. If not, you can still stop by to chat with Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and fellow commuters + grab opening day memorabilia.
🗓️ Go Green Line! Community Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 2-4 p.m. | Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave. | Enjoy live music, a children’s choo-choo train, a food truck, hot cocoa, and the opportunity to participate in an oral history project.
Plus, there will be an MBTA ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Medford/Tufts station at 10 a.m.