We rode the MBTA Green Line Extension (we’re late)

[@BirbarianHomeGuard]

trams are awesome

[@eliplayz22]

yep, they are

[@Cupertinorail]

yes

[@OtterMan310]

Hell yeah

[@EdwardM-t8p]

In Boston trolleys are awesome 😎 Yes, I know it's the same thing, that's what trams are called in Boston.

[@Bobrogers99]

In my younger days I enjoyed exploring all the MBTA lines, and it seems that in the past 50 years they have had only modest improvements. Line extensions, yes, and the elevated is gone, but the green line trains still resemble their parents, old-fashioned streetcars. The red, orange and blue lines are just newer versions of their predecessors as well. Nothing sleek and modern like the subways in many European cities. I can ride them today and easily remember the trains of my past. The MBTA needs Boston's commitment to public transportation and to receive a massive investment to bring all lines up to 21st-century standards.

[@redsox1935]

The thing is most Americans don’t want to be like other countries. We want to be ourselves and most Americans revel in nostalgia to remind them of the days they were growing up. So you can understand why we hold on to older things a little longer and make the newer things resemble the old.

[@dantem4119]

The Type 10 green line cars should replace most of the existing fleet with 21st century modern LRVs. The mattapan high speed line PCCs will finally get replaced by some old green line type 9 stock as well. With the new CRRC cars entering service on the orange and red lines the last thing to replace is the blue line stock!

[@henrytorres7556]

Exactly! I asked myself tne same question with that old train system.

[@ArtisticHH57]

Fun fact: the original Lechmere station is now a community garden!

[@Thom-TRA]

Love that!

[@EdwardM-t8p]

Awesome!

[@Emileigggggh]

Your reaction to the Green Line's infamous SQUEAK is so real - Boylston is the worst. It's also one of 3 inaccessible stations - we're way better than a lot of cities when it comes to disability accessibility with our trains. I was living by Union Sq in Somerville when that extension opened- pretty exciting, but your point about local cynicism is so real. As much as I kinda hate the T a lot of the time for its many failures (like some of these tracks being messed up), I'm grateful that it exists. I'm super lucky to live in one of the most walkable cities in the country. As for future possible extensions, Arlington wants one, but I think the Orange Line should go deeper into Roslindale! It's a Boston neighborhood and doesn't even really have T access other than the infrequent commuter rail and buses. This video was great, I love learning more about the transportation I take all the time!

[@Thom-TRA]

I love visiting Boston!

[@johnp1937]

I recall reading that funding for the green line extension partially fulfills a promise made during construction for the Big Dig in the 1990s. The other "half" of that promise, to restore green line streetcar service through Jamaica Plain, was rescinded, and those streetcar tracks were pulled up permanently in the 2010s. MBTA maps as of a just three or four years ago still showed the green line through Jamaica Plain as "future" restored service. It's a shame those plans were canceled.

[@Thom-TRA]

Nothing sadder than a project that’s canceled…

[@hermanhuang9048]

What did Bear think about the GLX? Does he agree that "Trains Are Awesome"?

[@Thom-TRA]

Of course!

[@amfm889]

6:45 That bridge you see out the window is the Somerville Community Path, a ped and bike corridor that was built concurrently with the GLX. A bike & ped path had long been pursued by local Somerville cyclists to connect with an existing trail-trail that runs up to the Davis Square Red Line station, and further west to Bedford, known as the Minuteman Bikeway. The cost overruns of the GLX almost killed the Community Path extension along the corridor. I was privileged to be a member of that group of cyclists.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m grateful for your efforts to preserve it!

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

You are riding through the East Somerville neighborhood where I grew up. In terms of stations between Washington and Gilman. You are also riding along the siege lines of the Battle for Boston 1775-1776. You are also riding very close to Powder House Sq. (Magoon Sq) It was the confusion during and after the British attempt to capture that powder that caused the Comtes Of Safety to organize a rapid response force. That force were called Minutemen. In April 1775 when the British, again were looking to disarm and arrest Patriots, that Minutemen force delivered 15000 militia to surround Boston so fast it immediately bottled up the British. The now famous Winter Hill was part of that siege line. As was Prospect Hill where the first American battle flag flies. The main camp was on Harvard Common. And of course that’s where Washington goes to take over the troops. So for those who care the US military was founded in Cambridge. Thanks for visiting my home.

[@eliplayz22]

That is a lot of history right there. Sending love from Maine

[@roxxma]

I used to be a state park ranger on the Freedom Trail, at City Square in Charlestown, where Paul Revere began his ride. I used to tie in the story of the Powder House and its significance into one of my talks. Also I tied in how word of the British marching towards Lexington got as far as New Hampshire within 90 minutes of Revere leaving Charlestown was a testament to the efficiency of the Committees of Correspondence who devised the system of messengers going to each village and town, who in turn would send a messenger to the next town and so on and so forth (and its failures: Waltham, right next door to Lexington, never got word of the goings on, while every other village and town between Charlestown and Nashua responded immediately).

[@landon176]

And then in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed by Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia PA. And yes, I know that this does not have to do with trains 🚂

[@rikkichunn8856]

Great job again, Thom and Bear! I agree with your appreciation of the Green Line. I love its history. I love the fact that parts of the tunnel have four tracks. Do they still? I love the fact that at least one place in the tunnel there is a level crossing for passengers to walk across the tracks to get to the other platform--that's got to be unique in subway lines. And it's fascinating to me that it is the only subway line I know of that has no automatic train control to prevent crashes. There was a bad one a few years ago, when a speeding train plowed into a train stopped at a station. So now, the rear end of a stopped train explodes with flashing lights--brake lights, turn signals, and I think the rear end horn goes off too. I think the block signals get in the flashing act, too. Speaking of block signals, I love the interlocking signals where a line diverges. You get red over red for absolute stop, but then, instead of combinations of red and green lights, you get a white arrow pointing up (the tracks are lined for straight ahead) or a yellow arrow pointing right or left (as appropriate) for diverging. Love the green line!

[@bornagain841]

I was brought up in Andover and experienced Boston through the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops. I also rode the MBTA trains. My bride and I honeymooned there. The pain of nostalgia hits me now.

[@Thom-TRA]

I got to spend a few hours there yesterday on a layover, always love being there. A friend of mine goes to the symphony on the regular!

[@izzieb]

8:30 All these squares make a circle, all these squares make a circle

[@hairypotter259]

Just give all the money used on Boston roads to the MBTA 💯

[@Thom-TRA]

Agreed

[@mariovieira838]

Calling it "a line" is an aftetought. It really is a complete system, with several routes. And it will soon get new LRVs from CAF. The train at Medford was a good catch, with the F40S at the head end. Nice video

[@harlander-harpy]

How did it cost that much???? The new Lynnwood Link Extension in Seattle costs the same but is 8.5 miles, is completely grade separated with majority viaducted, and has larger, nicer stations

[@bostonelevatorsaviation]

Thanks for visiting Boston!

[@Thom-TRA]

Always love it!

[@johnfriel-uj2zs]

Boston History. Thank You For Outstanding Video.😅😊

[@Thom-TRA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mattl_]

Just rode the Southwest Chief (and the Lake Shore Limited) in coach both ways. Now I see this and this is a train I ride almost every day. Thanks Thom.

[@shigemorif1066]

The trademark screech! lol. I wonder if they still have those kinki-sharyo cars on the green line or if those were all replaced.

[@Thom-TRA]

They still have them, we rode one at the end of the video

[@shigemorif1066]

@@Thom-TRA Nice!

[@sammieshipman3503]

Great video! I'm planning on traveling to visit Boston soon, and as a blind traveler, I really appreciate getting to hear how the train sounds, as well as the station stop announcements. Thanks again, and looking forward to more Boston and all other content!

[@anthonywarrener1881]

Thank you for this fascinating video, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The extension looked busy which must be good, and I was especially pleased to see a wonderful MBTA F40 at Medford !

[@electrourbantrans1018]

On the one hand, I agree that the long-awaited project of the Green line extension could have been implemented in a more advanced infrastructure version, but on the other hand, it’s good that the line was finally completed and even that level of infrastructure looks good. As soon as the line was opened, the first thing I did was watching Green line trip videos on KZbin, then the trains ran slower, now I see speeds 60-70 km/h along the railway line, that is very good. However, the Green line slowness take place in the tunnel section because of the poorly coordinated schedule, when trains are literally forced to wait for each other, I think the MBTA should work on the timetable, making intervals in the underground section more equable.

[@Alpha8713]

Nice video. As a Bostonian, my objection to the Green Line extension was that it was a huge diversion of resources at a time when the rest of the MBTA is in an advanced state of decay. It was (is) crazy to expand the system when the rest of it barely functions and is in need of significant maintenance work. And the Heath Street "E" branch still has a significant number of stops where service has been "temporarily suspended" since the 1980s.

[@Thom-TRA]

I personally don’t believe in this dichotomy between expansion and maintenance. If you put off upgrades for maintenance, you’ll find yourself in a never-ending spiral that cars ultimately win.

[@mattl_]

E-branch got a very frequent bus, the 39. This area had the 80 bus which is small and not that good, sadly

[@theelectricwalrus]

​@@Thom-TRAthe only way you can say the dichotomy doesn't exist is because federal funds are available for capital programs but not operating funds.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@theelectricwalrus this type of mindset is exactly what is holding transit in America back. American transit already has garbage coverage. And it barely gets funded. Want to keep it bad? Keep this “one thing at a time” mindset.

[@NahSon-lu1cn]

They were court-ordered to do the GLX because of agreements made during the big dig for environmental reasons iirc - it wasn't by choice

[@29downtheline]

Nice overview of the extension! Cool that you finally got to ride it!

[@JJRol.]

I love the green line. I've never ridden it but it's just so unique and interesting, especially the weird track layouts! It also has amazing history. Thanks for showcasing it! The extension had some issues in the first few months so the wait was worth it I suppose.

[@tommarino1056]

Interesting and informative video, as always. I rode the Green Line just before they started work on the extension.

[@thomasstambaugh5181]

I live a 5 minute walk away from the Ball Square station, and the GLX is totally awesome. I love trains, and it makes North Station dirt simple to get to. Day trips to Brunswick (on the DownEaster) are easy as are commuter rail trips to seaside destinations like Newburyport, Rockport, Gloucester, and Salem. One of my favorite winter getaways is to take the GLX to North Station, then the DownEaster to Brunswick. There is a lovely old inn a short walk from the Brunswick Amtrak station that is a paradise for those of us who love cold and snow. The inn has a very nice 100 year old lounge with a huge stone fireplace, wood paneling, and -- best of all -- no screens anywhere in the building. I love going there for a 2-3 nights just to (literally) chill. The worst planning decision is the fault of the town of Medford. The Medford/Tufts station should be a transfer point between the GLX and the commuter rail. That would make Medford/Tufts a major hub comparable to the Porter Square hub on the Red Line. Reliable sources told me through the years that Medford town government was afraid that Medford would be overrun by the "undesirable elements" from Lowell and Lawrence. Current rumors suggest that this decision may be reversed in years to come. I take frequent Amtrak vacations. My next is scheduled for January -- I'll be in bedrooms on the Lakeshore and Zephyr from Boston to Chicago, Chicago to Emeryville, and then back. Six nights on the train with a one-night hotel layover in Emeryville. With the GLX, it's an easy walk to Ball Square. I take the GLX to Park Street, transfer to the Red Line, and I'm in South Station a few minutes later. Amtrak promises to restore traditional dining to the Lakeshore by then -- we'll see if that happens. I just subscribed to your channel and enjoyed this video.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m so happy to hear from a real user! And that your experiences are positive

[@jamesdoughty5530]

Enjoy your videos, you impart a lot of info, good narrative. Come to Dallas and do one on DART.

[@Thom-TRA]

Maybe one day!

[@Chrissmhs]

I like how the green line e branch runs on the street in one part

[@philip-v6t]

yea but it can be a pain for drivers if something happens to the train.

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

Looks like we need to get to Boston to ride some of these lines! Gotta get up there to ride the Amtrak Downeaster too. Maybe in 2025....great video as always! We continue to love your channel! We are still moving along covering all the Amtrak Stations and touring them as best as we can.

[@fred9225]

Great video! Thanks for this great educational info.

[@brianhubert8418]

Great video and great to see Bear again. Thanks for sharing this story and explanation of the Green Line Extension. I'll have to take a ride next time in Boston. I'm really hoping Regional Rail will be in the cards in Boston in the near future it would do so much for the region.

[@frankbernotimm3031]

Thanks. Will be there soon.

[@Thom-TRA]

Have a good trip!

[@frankbernotimm3031]

@@Thom-TRA Thank You, Thom!

[@grampafitness9732]

I co-own a house near the Magoun Square stop. Been here about 22 years, which doesn't quite make us Real Somervillens, but certainly long-timers. Keeping the faith that this line would really open was a struggle at times, but man, the payoffs have been worth it. One member of my family has her medical service through the VA Hospital, on the other side of downtown, and that's now a much easier journey for her. As for me: I got the bicycling bug in my late 40s, and having the community walking/riding path extended through our neighborhood, alongside the GLX right-of-way, means I can set out from my house and get all the way down to the Charles River without tangling with cars; turn myself around and I can get all the way out to the suburbs on the same basic trail. (Don't get me started on who's worse, Boston drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists: I'm all three and we all kinda suck ;-) Now that I also work at a gym housed in an old warehouse building right on the line, I can walk or ride there in minutes. Game changer. Plus seeing the Lechmere area blossom over the last few years has been great. Somerville has been worth the investment for a long time. It's a good thing to see it finally happen. Great video, come back any time!

[@Thom-TRA]

I don’t know man, after 22 years, I think you’ve earned the bragging rights. So happy to hear this positivity!

[@francisholzmeister]

Wow, what an amazing video! I really enjoyed the way you covered the topic. Even though it's been covered by many others, your perspective is truly unique and personal. No one could have made the same video as you did 🙂

[@Thom-TRA]

I appreciate this more than you know!

[@MattMcIrvin]

When I was living in Harvard Square I used to take long walks up into Medford to the Tufts campus, either from home or from the Davis Square T station--which at the time was the closest station to Tufts. Having a Green Line station there right at the campus must be a huge convenience to the people there, even if it's a slower ride than the Red Line.

[@Thom-TRA]

I bet those were nice walks

[@MbtaVideoClips]

Just after North Station you can see the two siding tracks that were formerly used by C branch trains ending at North Station to be able to turn around. They still use it occasionally for various reasons, but not in normal service.

[@Thom-TRA]

I remember thinking “didn’t one of the routes terminate at north station?”

[@Kevin_C_Leonard_63]

North Station had a split personality. The Green Line to the original Lechmere Station came up from underground past Haymarket onto an elevated that loomed over Causeway Street and continued to the viaduct over the Charles River. C trains terminated in the underground station that it shared with the Orange Line while E trains stopped at the elevated station over the street on its way to/from that line's terminus at Lechmere.

[@officialmcdeath]

Thanks for doing this, you've reinforced my view that Government Center would make the basis of a cute and compact rail model, rich in operational variety - Green Line has a feel of being in a permanent state of Pre-Metro. WRT Medford Slash Tufts, it appears to have an identity crisis, being referred to on at least one occasion in this clip alone as Medford Dash Tufts by the onboard display - hope it can get treatment for that - maybe someday it can achieve a final state of Medford Space Tufts, we shall see . . . . \m/

[@teecefamilykent]

Great video sir!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@michaelb9629]

That’s another train I want to ride in Boston. I haven’t been there yet but I heard all kinds of good things about it.

[@mmrw]

I lived in Massachusetts when the first part of the GLX opened and it definitely felt like a big deal then. Now it’s just a regular part of life there, as it obviously should be

[@Thom-TRA]

That’s good to hear

[@philip-v6t]

yes the Lechmere station was named in 1955 but the original station has been demolished because it was a terminus station.

[@kwong06]

Always love to see you cover the T.

[@Thom-TRA]

I filmed two more videos on this trip so stay tuned!

[@Northern_Idaho]

Government Center reminds me a lot of Aldgate on the Metropolitan and Circle Lines in London, where the Hammersmith & City and District Lines cut in, but stop at Aldgate East station instead. I have a video from my trip of a Hammersmith & City line train running west toward Liverpool Street coming past, immediately followed by a Metropolitan line train coming in to terminate. I think Aldgate has potential for a future video, when Thom visit soon London.

[@improperbostonian6722]

This subway system is the 1st in the nation.

[@Thom-TRA]

Correct

[@Gosox449]

New cta stop on the green line! Check it out next time you’re in Chicago

[@Thom-TRA]

I’ve been checking out the construction the last few times I’ve been there

[@crimsonash6626]

Woohoo, the E line finally reached my alma mater (albeit 1 year too late for me to use it, but still great nonetheless for Tufts students in general)!

[@Thom-TRA]

I feel like good stuff always happens one year after we graduate 😂 like new buildings and stuff too

[@EddieLeindecker-re1hg]

Hey Tom, great video on the MBTA green line I agree. The green line is a very fascinating line and the cost over runs of the expansion project are nothing new. Here in Pittsburgh our transit system is building a bus rapid transit system called the university line. It was scheduled to be completed in 2021 and cost about $100 million then timeline got changed to be completed in 2023 and due to cost overruns, the project is not supposed to be completed until 2027 and cost $290 million. Me personally I like light rail over buses I think light rail is much cleaner, much more efficient and faster than buses

[@patmeaden]

I love how the TTS announcements on the GL make everyone say the “slash” in station names

[@Thom-TRA]

It cracked me up too

[@kacamac]

I love Boston. I dont live there but get to visit from time to time. I just wish they would hurry up and switch out those old diesel commuter trains with electric. Its so crazy that they have been running diesel under electric catenary for decades on the Providence line.

[@Thom-TRA]

Agreed, it’s ridiculous

[@Kevin_C_Leonard_63]

They're going to start running battery electric locomotives on the Readville branch, the shortest of the lines out of South Station and the only one running entirely within the city of Boston. Low hanging fruit, to be sure, but with the new engines will come more frequent service through an area of the city that desperately needs it. The likely reason why they don't run electric locomotives on the Providence branch is because with electrification of the other lines well down the list of priorities it didn't make sense for them to have them for just one line, and they like to be able to move equipment around to the various lines as needed which requires a uniform livery.

[@mattl_]

They planned this extension in 1920. Finally opened! 🎉

[@paulcastillo1310]

Great video

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks!

[@paulcastillo1310]

@@Thom-TRA your welcome

[@roberthuron9160]

Back in the 1940's,there were 3 lines going into Medford/Clarendon Hill,and one was,on Tufts University doorstep! One line operated into Lechmere,and others into Sullivan Square! See BSRA bulletin 23,for further details! That extension was long overdue,and restoration of the line to Arborway,is outright Criminal! Lots of promises,no delivery,like the NY MTA!! Thanks for the update,and trip advice! Thank you 😇 😊!

[@migi5374]

That screech. Yea

[@Thom-TRA]

A signature classic

[@Cupertinorail]

Nice of Bear to join you.

[@londonwhaley8690]

I enjoy that video👍👍

[@Thom-TRA]

I appreciate it!

[@SilverGravy-z1y]

the CTA Green line has now opened their new rail station, Damen/Lake

[@Thom-TRA]

Yep

[@Roblox_Solera]

Nice video!

[@MBTAFAN879]

Railfaning a lot around the Boston area I can say it is a great extension great video Thom! Also when did you film this?

[@Thom-TRA]

I filmed this June 5th. You can always find the date of filming in the description.

[@MBTAFAN879]

@@Thom-TRA oh ok thanks

[@landon176]

Oldest subway in America

[@OtterMan310]

Did you know that Portland, OR was almost named Boston?

[@Thom-TRA]

I did know that! Didn’t it come down to a coin toss or something?

[@landon176]

Ride the dc metro on the extension to ashburn on the silver line!

[@Thom-TRA]

I rode it just a few days ago, ride it somewhat regularly

[@EdwardM-t8p]

I'm glad the new extension was built but the value engineers sure cheaped out on the construction! There were a lot of projects that the state committed to to get the self-defeating Big Dig built. This Green Line extension is one of them. There are others: Silver Line 🤮 Subway platform extensions Commuter rail extensions and expansions North South Railway Link - postponed until eternity, apparently Green Line E Branch restoration to Arborway (Forest Hills) - cancelled Orange Line extension to West Roxbury - not built Blue Line extensions west to Charles/MGH and north to Lynn Center - not built

[@jasonwyland5198]

Well done

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@ElmerCat]

At 1:55 - That charming analog chime and door closing sound is from the old, Hawker-Siddeley Orange Line trains. Alas, it has disappeared from the Boston soundscape, in favor of a wretched, piercing beeping noise now made by the Chinese trains which replaced them.

[@risksrewardsrelics51]

The Red Line Pullmans still use that sound. The CRRC cars are actually pretty nice, but that beeping suuuuuucks.

[@MBTA1234]

Man trains are awesome rides the MBTA branch I use the most and I just find out this way

[@SamuelHarris-yq3hy]

I'm even later and I live there

[@Foxy_AR]

0:24 doors really said “no wait, nevermind”

[@Thom-TRA]

Relatable

[@BX60-05]

Do you maybe know what is the reason behind that Ansaldo-Breda cars are running in pairs with Type 7s? It seems really strange that they operate the types mixed, instead of attaching the same types... :D (I also wonder how they manage to synchronize the different types during operation? Types 7s and the Italian ones are most probably equipped with completely different engines...)

[@Thom-TRA]

Yeah, it’s because the Type 7s are not accessible, and every train needs to have at least one accessible section.

[@BX60-05]

@@Thom-TRA oh, that makes sense...thanks a lot!

[@johnchastain5657]

I rode the Green Line a few times, when I was your age, sonny. Back then, the choice was: hold your ears to prevent permanent hearing loss, or hang onto the seat in front of you to avoid getting thrown to the floor. And did I mention leaving a day in advance?😉

[@Thom-TRA]

Proper hearing or intact limbs, that is a hard choice indeed.

[@nothankyou4859]

Praying that everett gets subway service some day 😓

[@SamSitar]

medford/tufts should have a commuter rail station too.

[@Thom-TRA]

Agreed

[@roxxma]

You came to Boston and didn't even tell me? I'll have to keep my eye out next time 😜

[@Thom-TRA]

I was there for only a few hours haha

[@ICEHAWKSBOII_5]

Tra is so good

[@Thom-TRA]

The best

[@ICEHAWKSBOII_5]

@@Thom-TRA you’re right actually

[@Michael_afton698]

Damen on the green line has reopened

[@Thom-TRA]

Yep

[@peterfrey6062]

Good one! Boston at least is expanding its rail system, comparing to Septa. You may have heard that trolleys are back running on the rt 15? I have yet to take a ride myself. And by the way, Bear is way cooler than you

[@peterfrey6062]

Philly's subway-surface lines (also "green") have the same kind of turn around in either direction at the 40th st tunnel exit.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’ll be riding the new trolley next week!

[@maxpowr90]

I just wish the C train still terminated at North Station. The C is my go-to train to get to events at TD Garden.

[@Thom-TRA]

I think it’s so weird that they shortened it

[@ssbosox1900]

ITS NOT BOYLSTON THROUGH HAYMARKET ITS BOYILSTON THROUGH PARK ST( sorry for spelling issue

[@Thom-TRA]

The Tremont street subway was built up to Haymarket. The Haymarket station opened a few months later than the other stations but it still belongs to the Tremont Street subway. Please 👏🏻 educate 👏🏻 yourself 👏🏻 before 👏🏻 you 👏🏻 comment 👏🏻

[@LukeLovesTrains-Mr.RailYard]

Question: Could you do some steam locomotives videos?

[@Thom-TRA]

If I find a steam loco to ride then yes

[@billcook4768]

“Med-fud”

[@stevedreviewvlogs]

Thom, did you finally ride the Blue Line?

[@Thom-TRA]

I did! Stay tuned

[@stevedreviewvlogs]

@@Thom-TRA I noticed one thing that you said wrong in this video, but I will give you the point because you have said it correctly in other Boston videos… the first subway was between park street and boylston, not Haymarket and Boylston. Aside from that one tiny thing, great video!! I love it when you make content on the T!!

[@Thom-TRA]

@@stevedreviewvlogs but what I said wasn’t incorrect. Though only Boylston and Park Street opened in 1897, the original Tremont Street subway extended all the way to Haymarket. Trolleys started using the northern section in 1898.

[@stevedreviewvlogs]

@@Thom-TRA oh OK that makes sense. I didn’t even know that and I live in the Boston area. Learn something new every day!

[@Giustiziappenanata]

Can you do a comparison of commuter rails in US vs Europe

[@Thom-TRA]

I could

[@Thom-TRA]

I could

[@Giustiziappenanata]

Also fun fact- the new Netherlands intercity train has the same design of an Italian regional train called “POP”. (By the way thanks for considering the idea)

[@tonguepiercing]

Boston is a pleasant city with plenty of sights, and there is an extensive public transport network. But… the network is not bright and modern, and not rapid. Some of the green line stations are good examples of that and for those of us used to developments in Chima, Singapore, Korea … they will be disappointed even on the slightly newer parts of the Boston system.

[@Thom-TRA]

You realize I grew up in Asia too, right?

[@peterdowden7694]

I think that’s an Italian BRAYduh not a Dutch BrayDUH. 🇮🇹

[@Thom-TRA]

You think or you know?

[@peterdowden7694]

@@Thom-TRA en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Societ%C3%A0_Italiana_Ernesto_Breda

[@peterdowden7694]

But he might have been the Italian born son of Dutch immigrants.

[@pcabral1]

bring back the A branch trains

[@MrCateagle]

Honestly, from all I've dead and heard, a healrhy cynicism about infrstructure development in Boston seems necessary (cf. The Kingston Trio's "The Man Who Never Returrned:"). Having said that, it was an interesting video.

[@meandwhoism]

Tell Bear let it rip

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

Don’t bother coming to Houston. Our sad little metro is an embarrassment.

[@Thom-TRA]

At least it runs over a fountain

[@theelectricwalrus]

Boy am I mad about GLX. A huge mistake, and completely unnecessary. All the CLF lawsuit obligated the MBTA to do was to put commuter rail stops in Medford!

[@theelectricwalrus]

I cannot believe we built new light rail. Light rail is BAD. HEAVY RAIL!

[@Thom-TRA]

The commuter rail is terrible quality. Absolutely awful compared to light rail. Light rail (ideally with a transfer station to the commuter rail) is much better.

[@thomasstambaugh5181]

Heh -- speak for yourself. The GLX is transforming the entire region, just like the Red Line extension transformed Cambridge between Harvard Square and Alewife after it was finally finished. Porter Square, in particular, is a thriving neighborhood today compared to what it used to be. Similar changes are happening all along the GLX.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

I've been on that Green Line many times and it's more of a tram really than a true metro 🚇.It use to have boxes by the drivers cab for passengers to put their fares in which said coins only but the boxes were stuffed full of Dollar bills.I expect that things have improved since I was last on it about 15 years ago?

[@andrew_ray]

As of two days ago, you can pay at all doors with a contactless credit card or Google/Apple Pay, or use your fare card. Cash fares on board will be phased out in the near future.

[@mattl_]

Just rode the Southwest Chief (and the Lake Shore Limited) in coach both ways. Now I see this and this is a train I ride almost every day. Thanks Thom.