MBTA GLX! May 2021 Green Line Extension Construction Update!

[@andrewferreira4746]

“Tremont” has the emphasis on the first syllable. “Zakim” has a long A and a silent I: ZAY-km

[@TheFourFoot]

Yeah, I got the message lol

[@295g295]

> 0:22 < Tremont Think of a tree on a mount. ?

[@295g295]

5:05 (facing west) - "Leonard Paul "Lenny" Zakim (November 17, 1953 - December 2, 1999) was a Jewish-American religious and civil rights leader in Boston. Zakim died in 1999 after a five-year battle with bone-marrow cancer. Boston's Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge was named in his honor."

[@295g295]

I have never visited Boston city. I would have said that new suspension bridge is the "Bunker Hill Bridge". Is the name "Zakim" in common use, or only an official honor name?

[@joshweiland1256]

@@295g295 It's common usage, like "take 93 north over the Zakim Bridge", or even "over the Zakim". Doesn't hurt that his son was a City councilor for a while. Never heard it called the "Bunker Hill Bridge"

[@lSAMV31l]

I've been lucky enough to be apart of this project as an ironworker. The company I'm with built all the columns and pier caps, all those new railways are sitting on, as well as all the miles of rebar for those bridge decks.

[@TheFourFoot]

I spent a summer building tunnels and I’m sure it’s much more gratifying to build rail lines than sewer tunnels! Lol

[@TheFourFoot]

Also, not sure if it interest you at all, but I’m also covering the construction of a new freeway in my hometown. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIDUc2uQapyNmaM

[@lSAMV31l]

@@TheFourFoot I just took my RWP training today for mass coastal railroad company. Im figuring it's gonna be for this project next. I don't know but it's likely. It might be something for you to check out at some point.👍 www.mass.gov/info-details/about-the-south-coast-rail-project

[@RsConqueror]

thank you for your service o7

[@radanju3]

@@lSAMV31l nice, nice stuff dude!!

[@DannyPimienta]

As a railfan and former Boston resident, this is the BEST GLX coverage I've ever seen. You have a new fan and subscriber.

[@mr_godoy2008]

I to record Mbta trains every fridays or Saturdays. Unless I’m unavailable right now in the next 2 weeks.

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m glad you liked it! Thanks a lot!

[@DDELE7]

I agree. And I hope the T does right with their Type 10 Green Line fleet. They should look into acquiring trains with steerable where so the trolley can make sharp turns at faster speeds without the ungodly screeching sounds. Anyone who’s ever been to Government Center station will know what I mean.

[@radanju3]

Seconded here. 👋 This video is amazing!

[@alanthefisher]

The GLX is probably one of the most interesting projects only because the MBTA is such a diverse operation

[@TheFourFoot]

Absolutely. As far as light rail lines go, it’s definitely one of my favorites, but I was also pleasantly surprised to be reminded that the blue line trains are dual mode! Now if they could just get some electric locomotives on their commuter trains...

[@json8119]

@@TheFourFoot If they could electrify ALL commuter rail lines within 128... and run them on sub 15 minute intervals all day long (OR AT LEAST DURING BUSINESS HOURS...)... that would be amaaaaaazing. Imagine a dozen new 'high speed' lines within 128... the amount of infill stations, transit oriented development, the number of people who might switch to transit vs driving... such a big change could happen.

[@IamWhoIam2023]

Bs

[@mbrproductions160]

Oh hello armchair urbanist, I was wondering what you thought of the MBTA

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m curious too. I’d say 7-8 out of 10? Lol getyarn.io/yarn-clip/3d748773-2a6b-440e-bf30-3fc0cd8f08ed#O3JZTCzv.copy

[@Bobrogers99]

This is an excellent presentation well-supported by the drone footage. I wish all the MBTA extensions that have been made since I left Boston fifty years ago were as well illustrated.

[@TheFourFoot]

Yeah, I would love see that!

[@Roboboy]

Really getting your money's worth out of that drone huh? 😉 This was really great and your GLX and GLT overview is exactly the kind of video I wish the agency would do to show exactly what its doing!...

[@TheFourFoot]

With the cost of the drone, plus my slightly disastrous trip to Boston, this video is gonna have to get on the trending page to pay for itself lol. But yes, I’d like to film every line I cover completely with the drone. Airports and geography sometimes have other plans lol... Glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@NozomuYume]

@@TheFourFoot How difficult was it to arrange for those drone shots? Pretty sure all of that was within Logan's class B airspace inner ring (surface to 7000' MSL)

[@TheFourFoot]

Difficult lol. My drone’s software won’t let you fly into restricted airspace. The east end of the Lechmere viaduct was close to restricted area.

[@joevignolor4u949]

I rode the Mattapan-Ashmont trolley line back in the 1960's and 70's when I was growing up in Mattapan. Recently when I was in Boston on business I went to Ashmont and took a ride to Mattapan and then back to Ashmont just for fun and nostalgia. Actually I made the round trip twice. I spoke with two MBTA employees and they said that there are currently no plans to replace the PCC cars with new ones. One reason is the historical significance of the line. The other is that to upgrade to new cars many of the bridges and overpasses on the line would need to be rebuilt because newer rolling stock is much heavier than the PCC cars. They also said that the biggest obstacle to keeping the PCC cars running indefinitely is parts availability. The MBTA does have many non-functional PCC cars in storage as a source of parts along with a special machine shop that can manufacture replacement parts from scratch. In summary the T employees told me not to expect any replacement of the PCC cars on the Mattapan-Ashmont trolley line for at least ten years.

[@JamesScantlebury]

Bostonians are gonna love the long, fully low floor vehicles when you finally get them - Toronto has a great “local” example of a ‘big’ streetcar. Four Foot - would be great to see you do a video in Toronto, given the large number of subway/light rail projects happening right now!

[@TheFourFoot]

I coming to Toronto and Montreal at some point, but for now, I think Reece has it covered lol

[@pamelalindhe7686]

I would love to see a set of fully low floor vehicles with the seating arrangement of the type 7 trains!

[@JohnNeville617]

I can't wait for this to open up. I live near North Station but I like to visit friends in Somerville and this will save some ubers. Plus it looks so much better than the junk that was there before. I froze my butt off one too many winters in that lechmere bus station. Also as a cyclist that mixed use path is going to be awesome. No more risking life and limb to get out to the bike paths.

[@TheFourFoot]

For sure, it’s a great project!

[@lSAMV31l]

Kinda cool I was up on the medford st bridge laying out rebar for the bridge deck when the drone flew over. my cars tucked in between the green lift and dirt pile to the left... 👍

[@TheFourFoot]

Lol that’s awesome! I actually wasn’t very far away, but the signal interference there was awful!

[@amfm889]

Terrific video and narration! I lived in Somerville and helped advocate for the Community Path, so thanks for including that. Also for talking about the project history, housing development, and other local tidbits. And you got almost all the local pronunciations right! Exceptions: Tre'-mont, and Zay'-kim. But kudos to anyone from out-of-state who gets "Worcester" correct.

[@MikeT-TheRetiredColonel]

Anyone from Boston thinks "Wusstah" is out-of-state ;) My neck of the woods now, use to live in Malden, I prefer trees to people ;) lol

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot! I’m glad you liked it! I always like to know what the correct pronunciation is, unless it’s some place like Nevada (as was recently pointed out in another video...). I should have mentioned Faneuil Hall for some reason lol

[@295g295]

>7:20 < Community Path

[@erik_griswold]

It’s also known as the Bill Buckner bridge.

[@json8119]

Thank you for advocating for the path! It will be amazing to ride all the way into Boston and back out to Bedford :-)

[@Roboboy]

At the junction north of Lechmere, the right stub track you asked about is supposed to be a lead from the northbound track directly to the yard/maintenance facility which is being built adjacent the Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility (CRMF)/Boston Engine Terminal (BET). There's also supposed to be track leads to the yard just south of the Brickbottom/East Somerville station, but given the advanced stage of construction they're in, I'm not sure why the track from the viaduct isn't also in progress. It may have been cut after initial construction/advanced engineering stage of the viaduct?

[@TheFourFoot]

I figured that was the case, but I didn’t want to give people a heart attack and say it might go to Charlestown or something lol. You’re right, I don’t know why they haven’t built the tracks out yet, but I’m also glad I’m not the person saying the Medford branch will be open in December lol

[@zackboone15]

I heard it was cut because they didn't have an idea of where EXACTLY the maintenance facility would be at the time of the engineering of the viaduct, and by the time they figured it out there was that big cost cut that let the project go forward and thus they chose to just use a pocket track on the Medford branch northbound that would be cheap and easy. Retaining the little ghost ramp did however fit into the vision of more northern branches so they essentially said "whatever, we'll keep it".

[@andr_w]

Yeah, that additional track was value-engineered out of the current iteration of the project. The previous iteration had already constructed the support pillars that would support the wye, so, they just kept it. The yard leads from the Medford and Union branches are enough for GL regular ops. It appears that the need for a Lechmere to VMF/yard wasn't really necessary for the GLX to work. The yard location was very much fluid as the place that they have built it is quite close to some artists lofts. However, the VMF location has been pretty set as far as I can recall.

[@TheFourFoot]

@@andr_w thanks a lot! I figured it was something like that.

[@charlesolson9019]

@@zackboone15 Yes, there was a great deal of advocacy done to ensure those ramp stubs got built (and that the viaducts leading to them were wide enough for double-tracking) so as enable a future light-rail Urban Ring connection.

[@erik_griswold]

It is a pity there is no joint GLX/Commuter Rail station on the Lowell Line. Porter Square has one on the Red Line which allows tremendous flexibility for commuters.

[@json8119]

They almost extended the Medford branch to the West Medford stop. ALMOST. Some iterations of the project included that. But because that added another bridge to fix (the Mystic River one) and additional costs, it was cut from the project and could be factored into another phase of GLX or just another extension altogether. Which basically means it'll either never happen, or happen in about 25 to 50 years if we look at how long GLX took to actually start.

[@hongliangliu8742]

GL and Commuter rail share a stop at North Station tho

[@TheFourFoot]

It would be nice to see that extension built out someday...

[@erik_griswold]

@@hongliangliu8742 The customer travelling in from the exurbs should have the option not to have to backtrack. This is what drives people to abandon transit for automobiles.

[@hongliangliu8742]

@@erik_griswold West Medford is a flag stop for non-peak hour trips on the Lowell Line and there are bus lines to connect passengers. I'm fine with the GLX to serve the Tufts community and students as most Commuter Rail passengers travel into Boston rather than hopping off at Medford.

[@ssrailvideos]

Awesome video! great to see my city from this perspective. By the way, the track that diverges from the Fitchburg line and connects to the Framingham line is called the Grand Junction. that track is used a few times a week by the readville switcher, This shuttles MBTA equipment between the Northern and Southern lines.

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot! Also, thanks for the info!

[@json8119]

Super cool video! I live right next to this extension and bike / walk / drive around it all the time. But I've never seen such amazing drone footage showing everything in such detail. Amazing, thank you! :)

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@reecemartin4354]

Another great video! It’s amazing how you get around!

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks man! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing that fancy new Go Transit some day!

[@kevinweaver4285]

Somerville resident here, loved the video! Was really cool to see via the drone footage how everything is coming together, as I can only see so much on the ground. Really looking forward to the community path extension!

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m glad you liked it!

[@radanju3]

What an absolutely spectacular video! I loved every detail and work you put into it. It just reminds me how much Boston has truly changed over the years when I was a kid. The busways and tracks are so fascinating and futuristic to me.

[@quetzal4042]

I used to live near HIghland & Lowell and work in Boston and it was such a project getting into town everyday. I could take the Highland Ave bus to Leechmere for the Green Line, or walk a mile to the Red Line at Davis Square, then switch to the Green Line at Park to get to my job. Either way, it took more than an hour to traverse a distance of less than 5 miles as the crow flies. This will make the trip so much easier, too bad it's come 40 years to late!

[@TheFourFoot]

For sure! That sounds pretty tedious lol

[@tvd1188]

Bring back the A line!! Also, would love to see the branch back into Cambridge turned into trolley service (connecting the other side of the B branch).

[@TheFourFoot]

I fully support both measures lol

[@Madness832]

Let's not forget the "F" branch to Dud...ahem...Nubian Square! :D

[@interstellarphred]

@@Madness832 and the "G" to City point. Silver plated bus Line phase three proposed filling to unused tunnel with concrete to literally seal its fate

[@gacj2010]

I completely agree .... A LINE NEEDS TO RETURN>>>>>>>>>

[@jonathanblair5255]

It’s will never happen. The next MBTA extension will like be the Blue line Lynn which was supposed to have happened shortly after the line was built

[@hongliangliu8742]

I spent two years of my life living by Lechmere station. So much fun to watch the trains come and go everyday.

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m sure! I would love to live somewhere overlooking a (passenger) rail line someday!

[@hongliangliu8742]

@@TheFourFoot My apartment was $1800 a month back then, while I just checked the price - it went up to $2500 a month. That's about a 40% increase!

[@TheFourFoot]

Yeah that’s insane lol

[@usa_kenyan]

Good research and footage. I live in Union Square, Somerville. It's an easy walk to the new station.

[@charlesolson9019]

Well done! A small correction, the extension to Route 16 was deleted well before the project was re-bid. Supposedly it'll be funded as a separate project one day.

[@TheFourFoot]

Gotcha, thanks for the info!

[@CharlesDenison]

And at one point, it was thought that the Green Line Extension would go even further to West Medford, where there could be a transfer available to and from commuter rail!

[@charlesolson9019]

@@CharlesDenison Yes, that was eliminated very early in the planning stages because Medford hates nice things.

[@preahko]

Great video!! I would have made good use of this extension close to 30 years ago when I lived near Tufts...oh, well.

[@TheFourFoot]

Yeah if the state had been behind the project when they started getting serious about it, it might have been lol

[@derricksustache2435]

This video is spot on. I just recently trained on the GXL extension. Driving as a test train and this video helped me Visualize track layout while we was trained in class

[@ayindestevens6152]

Oh this is freaky I was JUST visiting Boston!

[@donaldfedosiuk1638]

This video was wonderful to watch -- very informative and well-done. The drone footage is nothing less than stunning. I live in Boston, and it's surprising how relatively little attention this somewhat massive project is recieving (unless, presumably you happen to live anywhere near the actual construction). Maybe the pandemic and lockdown had something to do with it. One pedantic quibble: "Tremont" is pronounced TRE-mont, with the stress placed on the first syllable and the "E' sounded short. (The way Sam Adams would have said it. Only people from New York say it the other way.) lol Thank you for making this.

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot! Maybe that’s why so many people have commented on it at this point lol

[@edwardmiessner6502]

😍 Love the presentation of the Green Line Extension! 🚊 I'm hoping in the future there will be an extension along the Fitchburg Branch and the abandoned Fresh Pond Branch to Watertown Square and eventually to Waltham Centre --- the new A Train! Also I would like to see a northerly extension to Rt. 128 / I-95 via the Lowell Branch and the old abandoned Woburn Branch. A new F Train, perhaps. There's also an abandoned tunnel south of Boylston Street that I would like to see put back into service, too. Ah, a transit fan can dream, eh?

[@HayastAnFedayi]

Love your ideas!! I would extend the Lowell commuter line up to Concord NH and the Haverhill line up to Plaistow or maybe even Exeter/Portsmouth as well...i always dream if they ever fully did the Red Line north all the way to 128/Burlington Mall...a transit fan can dream for sure lol!!

[@TheFourFoot]

I say build it all! Lol

[@edwardmiessner6502]

@@TheFourFoot and separate the Red Line Quincy Branch and reroute it to Logan Airport via South Station and maybe call it the new Silver Line (the existing one's just buses anyway so why not admit as such and remove the "Line" designation)

[@TheFourFoot]

Yeah if we could get closer to the terminals this time, that’d be great!

[@trainsandtrams2020]

What an excellent overview of the MBTA GLX project! I love the aerial footage, it really makes it easy to get a grasp of everything, even from afar. Well informed commentary too!

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot! Glad you liked it!

[@setakalaijian7872]

Nice footage and good animation. I am on this project and now i can use this footage to explain the project to friends and family. Thanks for your hard work.

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot! And I’m sure it’s a good feeling seeing this project to its conclusion!

[@harrisonofcolorado8886]

With all these videos of construction updates, I have a feeling you're going to have an absolute blast with that drone if a lot of the plans for rebuilding/replacing sections of the Northeast corridor get the green light.

[@TheFourFoot]

You know I will!

[@jayy9029]

C trains will be retaining its terminus at North Station and will NOT be cut back to government center. B trains will be extended one stop up to government center, but during the off peak hours trains will travel as far as north station. the medford branch actually won’t be seeing its full capacity for a long time due to the street running section of the green line not being able to support current 3 car sets. hopefully soon the mbta will study ways on how to improve this section of the line so the medford branch can be utilized fully. lastly, those 2 cutoffs from the viaduct are also yard leads. they just haven’t been constructed yet but they probably will begin construction soon.

[@casmatt99]

This is way better than anything the MBTA has produced since the very beginning of the GLX. Fantastic job.

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot!

[@kc2dc444]

Nice summary of everything happening in Boston, I try to follow this stuff, but I learned a lot. Hopefully your channels blows up!

[@TheFourFoot]

That would be nice lol. Thanks a lot!

[@Pvemaster2]

Amazing with the drone footage

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot!

[@melissaklinestruhl7020]

I live by the future Magoun station and this video was incredibly informative! Thanks for your work and we enjoyed the drone footage.

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it!

[@stephenseltzer8850]

This finally shows what’s happening. I am a streetcar (light rail) fan and as a former Newtonian, I have ridden all the current lines and some of the former ones. I look forward to riding the new line.

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m sure! I’m looking forward to riding it someday as well!

[@thomashamwey4390]

I love the shot around 9:40 where you can see two commuter rail locomotives moving freight cars full of what appears to be gravel. Don't usually get to see them moving anything except passenger cars.

[@TheFourFoot]

Those were ballast cars used to add ballast to new/freshly undercut tracks. I was pretty surprised to see that train as well!

[@hunterhurley5245]

Great video! This project will be lovely for the T

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks! It certainly will!

[@worldofjck]

I’m glad I got to visit and film the Ashmont-Mattapan line in 2018... sad to hear those beautiful old PCC cars will be discontinued. 😥

[@abibu_chan]

As sad as it is, I'm not surprised. They pulled a couple a few years ago for lead removal, and they've been sitting in a bus garage disassembled and over budget ever since

[@TheFourFoot]

They’ll be around for a few more years yet, but yeah. Maybe a couple will end up in San Francisco, who knows lol

[@erik_griswold]

Hopefully a couple of PCCs will be preserved for use on special days.

[@Thomas1980]

Awesome captures my friend 👍 Thumbs Up & Big LIKE 586

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot!

[@chrismagsmags]

Great video. I've lived in Somerville for 8 years now, and I walk down to the Magoun Sq stop every once in a while. Should be great.

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m sure! That’s awesome

[@ConnieHirsch]

Thank you for the great tour -- I live in Somerville (and you can see my house for a fleeting moment) so I'm street-level knowledgeable about the construction and plans, but seeing the overview of the whole shebang (and aerial views!!!) puts it all together. Thank you!

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m glad you liked it! I’m sure it will be nice when construction is finally over!

[@acegarr22]

This is a very exciting project. I hope to go to Boston one day and use MBTA.

[@Mattymattychickenpatty]

Magoun Square my old neighborhood. I spent my youth hangin around those tracks. Use to hop freight trains thru there throw rocks at the train burn stuff all kids of juvenile hijinx. The drone footage is incredible along with the narration.

[@TheFourFoot]

That’s awesome lol

[@HighIronProductions]

Excellent coverage of the progress on these lines. Thanks for using some of my footage in the Mattapan Line mention!

[@TheFourFoot]

Thank you! And thanks for thanking me! Lol

[@TheFourFoot]

That was a great video by the way!

[@TheHiredGun187]

I live in Wakefield,MA and travel some of this route when I avoid the interstates into Boston. It kinda cool watching it happen..but damn traffic bites..up-side..I get to watch more

[@joscallinet6260]

@The Four Foot: Nice drone footage - my how those little drones have changed how we document a project such as this one, as compared to having to do it all from and at ground level, or hire an enormously expensive helicopter and crew to take you up there. I suppose you had to make sure you had clearance to fly your drone in all the areas you wanted to cover; your drone has impressive radio-control coverage range and battery-power stamina to power the drone AND its camera. The Green Line Extension is a major project, as your fine video makes so abundantly clear! Your voice-over commentary is equally as informative and well done. Thank you for making and posting this!

[@TheFourFoot]

Yeah I love looking at projects like this from the air because it gives context that you can’t get from the ground. Unfortunately with all of the radio interference in cities from everything under the sun, the drone has a pretty short range. This video was made up of several short flights that involved driving to the last place filmed and so on. It’s definitely worth the effort though, even if it can be a bit tedious. The battery only lasts for about 20 minutes of actual flight (plus about 5 minutes of buffer time so it doesn’t get lost). I’m really glad you liked it!

[@chris51lee]

Thanks for mentioning transit oriented development and affordable housing. Transit does not exist in a vacuum. What happened in SF is a shame and we all looked the other way. We all want "free" infrastructure improvements but then look the other when we have a "responsibility" to share those with others. It's one of the greatest challenges of our time. GLX explanation was great and detailed. Drone is cool too. Really good work.

[@kiqw]

I watched this for the first tine on 3/14/22 and enjoyed t. I plan to return to Boston in the summer of 2022 and wonder if the Green Extension to Tufts is now open. I lived in West Medford many years ago and residents then were hoping for an extension from Lechmere to West Medford. Ha! No such luck! Was cost he factor in that decision? To me the right-of-way looked to be too narrow to allow Green Line tracks to be installed, at least next to the Amtrak line at High Street.

[@teresaricoy1639]

Love your video... great job! My station is going to be Gilman Station. I am so looking forward to be able to walk three block from my house and take the Green line and get off at Park Street, in the middle of Boston downtown. This is a game changer.

[@TheFourFoot]

I can imagine! If only more cities were getting transit lines like this!

[@interstellarphred]

This was the best of the projects under the agreement from the settlement that allowed the Central Artery highway "Big Dig" to proceed ; Something more than a mere parking collector, there stations will serve as destinations as well. Anticipate taking it to Somerville to spend money! first proposed as far back as 1945, it was in a "T" master plan in 1966. Other provisions of the so-called "SIP" commitments were either dropped or are still delayed A shout out of congrats to Wig, Z of STEP and thanks Arnold for taking the credited picture.

[@TheFourFoot]

Yeah, aside from the second Avenue subway in New York, it’s gotta be one of the longest delayed projects in the country!

[@interstellarphred]

@@TheFourFoot No, that would be the Blue Line to Lynn

[@ADPeguero]

@7:24 I have some old, 1980s photos of that area when it used to be an old B&M yard with some old freight diesel locomotives, etc. before. How time flies.

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m sure it’s changed a whole lot!

[@marcelmoulin3335]

Another brilliantly executed, informative video! Thank you.

[@TheFourFoot]

Thank you very much!

[@entropysfo]

Great content and great footage. I always enjoy your videos.

[@RMTransit]

This video is excellent as usual, I feel like your on camera persona and narration are becoming even better too!

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot man! I really appreciate it!

[@crimsonash6626]

Can't wait for the green line to finally reach Somerville

[@TheFourFoot]

For sure!

[@chrispontani6059]

Fantastic drone footage!

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m glad you liked it!

[@davidlang1125]

Lots of info to get thru, as usual. And as usual had to reduce playback speed! Thanks for another great post.

[@TheFourFoot]

I tried lol. Glad you liked it!

[@brendanmurphy2312]

i didn't know the pcc's were still being used in Boston. glad to see.

[@levi6859]

I ride the MBTA regularly and I didn't even know about this. Thanks for the info.

[@kiqw]

Nice vid very nice video but I'm wondering about the A line which you said you did not want to talk about I spent my early years in Boston and never heard of it. As a former resident of West Medford I was unhappy when I learned that the green line extension would not go as far as West Medford.

[@cheneybrand4258]

rich in facts and interesting detail. well done!

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot!

[@jonathanlanglois2742]

The fact that there is gentrification happening as a result of transit goes to show that there is hunger for far more then what is planned. Politicians and public official need to get on board and get serious with building public transit.

[@TheFourFoot]

You’re absolutely right!

[@jonathanlanglois2742]

@@richardcarlson7370 The American Dream was always just that, only a dream. Cities just don't make enough to be able to repair the infrastructure from the taxes it is collecting on detached homes when it reaches the end of it's lifetime. It's simple economics. To make ends meet, cities need to do be able to do more with less infrastructures.

[@bethbudner50]

Good, I'm glad that we're finally doing this GLX extension after all (i.e. Union SQ) to help reduce frequent annoying transfers (i.e Park ST) so we can get to our destinations sooner (i.e. North Station for my dental cleanings @ 50 Staniford ST in Boston & Haymarket to Boston Public MKT, respectively). Beth Budner, Auburndale, MA!

[@TheFourFoot]

It’s an awesome project and I can’t wait to ride it myself, next time I’m in Boston!

[@Improj69]

Just the vid I needed. Thank you.

[@TheFourFoot]

Glad you liked it!

[@bryantrivera1852]

Even though I live only an hour and a half west of Boston, I never took the buses and trains from there. And yes I have been to Boston a few times.

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m not sure I’m ever gonna drive in Boston again. It’s too crazy lol

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

I lived in Boston from 1991-1993 and rode those Type 7 cars. Had no idea in 2021 they were still in operation. They are 30 years old! No wonder Type 10 is going to replace them. They were good cars back in the day. Hard to believe the old Lechemere station I used to use on occasion is only now going to be replaced. It was pretty run down then, and even worse now. Lived on the Orange line in Medford all those years ago. I wonder if the branch that just ends will eventually lead to the railyard right in front of it, turning right and going down into it? The drone footage was impressive!

[@TheFourFoot]

That’s awesome! Yeah I don’t want to see the Type 7’s go, but it’s getting to be time for sure... From what I’ve heard, yes those branches will eventually connect to the maintenance facility.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@TheFourFoot By the way, just subscribed. Live in CT now but always find the T interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@kiqw]

Grea video and I just thought that the missing A line must have been the line out Commonsealthvenue to watown. Its demise was controversial if I remember arr correctly.

[@chatan344]

That future branch might be a way to the new green line service facility.

[@petterzachrisson6500]

Thanks for a great video. These green line tram cars are some of the strangest looking I’ve ever seen.... I guess function before esthetics.

[@TheFourFoot]

Yeah I’m not the biggest fan of the type 8 and type 9, but indeed lol

[@robertlannon]

Really nice presentation, I was wondering how you did the drone video...lots of great shots....I rode the Riverside line in July of 59...soon after the Riverside branch opened...

[@TheFourFoot]

That’s awesome! I flew the drone by walking/taking off, flying as far as I could, then driving to catch up with it and flying more. That’s why the footage is so choppy...

[@zoehelkin]

Very informative and super high video quality. I really enjoy your content.

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks you very much!

[@thomasstambaugh5181]

I enjoyed this piece immensely. While it's hard to pick out, my home is in the shot at 18:04 (about a third of the way down from the top under the first "F" of "The Four Foot"). We in the neighborhood very much look forward to the completion of the project. With the GLX on one side of us and the extended bike path on the other, our environment-friendly transportation options are about to multiply.

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks! I'm sure you are ready to have it completed!

[@rich1383yt]

Well done - great video! Must have been a lot of work. I’m wondering what happens to the trains at the Medford end (just reverse direction/track)?

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot! And you bet. The old turnaround loops were originally built because streetcars (think horse drawn, then retro-fit with electric motors) were originally single ended, but all the green line vehicles are double ended and easily reversible.

[@johnnguyen1778]

Stephanie good job

[@adammurphy6845]

Amazing drone footage as usual! Great video

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks!

[@TomMcBoston]

Thanks! You should visit Montreal and see the construction of the new REM light rail system. it was announced 5 years ago and will open next year. It is 67 km, about 40 miles long.

[@TheFourFoot]

Oh I know about the REM lol, unfortunately Covid kinda took care of that for a while...I definitely want to get up there, though!

[@TomMcBoston]

@Richard Joniec Those extensions have been "planned" for decades,

[@TheFourFoot]

I support (almost) any extension that leads to a more integrated system!

[@jayres183rd.b.x.6]

Thank you 4 the Information...Please do A update video if you get more information later this year on GLX Plz

[@TheFourFoot]

If I do, I certainly will!

[@liamjewell62]

well made and very informative video! learned alot. also nice catch 9:43

[@TheFourFoot]

Yeah I was pleased to see that for sure!

[@AmtrakProductions]

Just subscribed! This content is awesome

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks!

[@diggydoge2884]

I got very confused when I first clicked on this video. I thought someone was doing like a realistic update on their cities skylines build

[@TheFourFoot]

Ha, that would have been easier I think!

[@onetwothreeabc]

Nice job! How would you get all the permissions for drone footages? Just curious. I guess it's a really hard process.

[@TheFourFoot]

Permission to fly? Or borrow drone footage? I can’t help you with the latter, but I film all my own footage unless otherwise noted. And as far as I can tell, my drone’s app will for the most part keep me out of restricted airspace, and little did I know all of the Washington D.C. metro is restricted, so no silver line/purple line drone footage unfortunately...

[@onetwothreeabc]

@@TheFourFoot Permission to fly is my question. Nice footage indeed! My question is, how do you get permission to fly/take video on those construction sites? I have seen other drone footage maker being harassed because some people fuss about you fly over them/take a video... Thanks!

[@TheFourFoot]

I don’t know, I’ve never asked lol. I’ve also never used private property to film, I just do it from the street or the car. I try to take off where there’s no one around, but in Boston that wasn’t always possible, so there were some awkward moments lol

[@transitguy]

I always appreciate your new videos! Great job once again!

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot!

[@bethbudner50]

My only suggestion is the possibility of any timeline so our viewers & I can get a more visual sense of when each project started (i.e. B-Branch consolidation project) and/or going to finish (i.e. New Lechmere station). Beth

[@NovaM87]

Good good good job! - Resident at the Ball sq.

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m sure you’re ready for it to open!

[@NovaM87]

@@TheFourFoot checking KZbin very month lol

[@fritzholz]

Great, fun video, thanks. Do you have any idea what the huge cube is at Gilman Station (at the 15:30 mark)? Love the GLX and know they were on a tight budget, but in this case they truly didn't make a single effort to make this front-and-center building attractive or in tune with the neighborhood in any way.

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m sure it’s related to the traction power system. Either a substation, or other electrical equipment. And yeah, that one certainly sticks out!

[@Keyfts]

Great video - do you forsee them extended the Union Square Branch in the future? Having just a small offshoot makes it look like they want to lay the groundwork for another line extension in coming years.

[@TheFourFoot]

It’s hard to not think that way. Extending the line up to at least Porter would add a great connection!

[@worldtraveller2711]

BOS my fav USA 🇺🇸 city 👌🏻

[@urbsinhorto]

Another awesome tour. Really looking forward to the Maryland Purple Line video. Regarding the budget issue for the GLX, do we know what "value engineering" to the stations was done besides the fare control changes? We're escalators nixed? Platform elements changed like nicer pavers becoming just concrete for example?

[@JamesScantlebury]

Yes, substantially smaller stations (removal of headhouses etc), accessible ramps rather than elevators, rehabilitating bridges that didn’t need replacement and using a design-build contract. Saved $700m!

[@charlesolson9019]

@@JamesScantlebury The original scaled-back plan was to omit elevators, but the contractors were able to put them back in and stay within cost. So all stations will have redundant elevators.

[@sammartland932]

Doing concrete instead of fancy pavers would be a good choice in any case, I think. Many fancy pavers show their wear and dirt pretty quickly, and then show the patches...

[@urbsinhorto]

@@sammartland932 I think its the exact opposite actually. Concrete looks like crap after a few years of yellowing, rust stains, gum, chipping and cracking. IMO high traffic pavers are almost always the better choice for its aesthetics and the ability to replace [rarely] as needed without the massive midlife station overhauls that usually cost something with 6 zeros after it. Most of Europe and Asia are using stone pavers, man-made pavers, tile or even asphalt. I have a serious issue with the overuse of concrete in pedestrian interfacing infrastructure in general. There's entirely too much of it in North America and it leads to public spaces that are of less aesthetic quality than others around the world.

[@errolsilver7183]

What was the permitting process like for your drone flight here? great footage!

[@TheFourFoot]

I plead the fifth lol. I haven’t found any specific drone laws where I was flying.

[@rojirojirojirojiroji]

Subbed! Great content. Thanks for this detailed explanation. Some of the stations on the Medford branch seem so isolated an inaccessible from street level. I'm curious to see how they'll look upon completion, but their design is very interesting!

[@TheFourFoot]

Indeed, I’m excited to see the final product

[@sethissurfing]

plans for each station available here: www.mass.gov/lists/glx-public-meetings-documents

[@rojirojirojirojiroji]

@@sethissurfing thanks!

[@robertdamico2615]

Excellent video!

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot!

[@robschwan]

Great! Very professional filming!

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks a lot!

[@robschwan]

@@TheFourFoot I have embedded it at www.urbanrail.net/am/bost/boston.htm

[@TheFourFoot]

That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@JasonBentrosnowqube]

Nice video! Do you think that they'll add commuter rail stations on the green line like there are south of the orange line?

[@TheFourFoot]

Maybe on a future extension, but I don’t see space for commuter stations in the current right of way.

[@thomasstambaugh5181]

@@TheFourFoot : There are rumors (that nobody will confirm because of the political sensitivity) that the design of the College Ave terminus includes provisions for easily adding a new commuter rail stop alongside the new GLX platform. This stop (and transfer point) was proposed during the design, and the town of Medford said it feared that an "undesirable element" (meaning people of color) would come to Medford from Lawrence and Lowell and "cause problems". Insiders say that a compromise was reached that will allow a commuter rail stop to be provided at College Ave at minimal expense at a later date. Without this stop, every potential rail commuter from the northern suburbs who works in the booming cities of Cambridge and Somerville has to ride into North Station, then transfer to the Green Line or Red Line and essentially double back to where they just came through (the Davis Square stop of the Red Line is a 10 minute walk from the new College Ave GLX stop). In addition to Massachusetts commuters, the DownEaster brings commuters to and from points as far north as Brunswick Maine (yes, people do make the round trip every day) to and from North Station. Those commuters currently have no reasonable way to get to anywhere in Cambridge or Somerville. The result is that all the highways serving the northern suburbs are essentially impassable for several hours each morning and each evening. The existing commuter rail station at the Porter Square stop of the Red Line provides a convenient gateway to all the well-to-do northwestern suburbs on the Fitchburg commuter rail line. A companion stop on the Lowell and Haverhill lines is desperately needed at College Ave.

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks for the info!

[@CC-rx9ty]

Seriously great work man!

[@TheFourFoot]

I really appreciate it!

[@AmtrakProductions]

Cool! I had this idea but you executed it much better than I could have

[@timnewman1172]

Those of us in the midwest can only dream of such things, our cities are smaller and spaced much further apart...

[@TheFourFoot]

For sure. I’d be happy to just have a streetcar here lol

[@jackvolpe933]

I really liked the video it you definitely detailed everything about the green line extension the biggest question I had is what did you mean by a it will lead to a another green line rivalry and I don’t think the type 9’s are going to the mattapan because those trolley’s just had a major overhaul a few years ago

[@MaxoticsTV]

I thought he meant between Boston University, BC and Tufts

[@TheFourFoot]

I’m no expert on Boston academic politics, but I ran across that when I was researching the video, between BU and BC on the B branch

[@jackvolpe933]

@@TheFourFoot oh okay that makes more sense thank you

[@marc4296]

This was an amazingly informative video! Thank you!

[@TheFourFoot]

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it!