MEDFORD, Mass. — The new MBTA Green Line extension goes online first thing Monday morning. The first train is scheduled to roll out of the new Medford/Tufts station just after 5 a.m. Abani Patra works at Tufts University and he says the Green line extension is a game changer for their students and staff. “We have two campuses or four campuses, we have one downtown and this will make sure we are actually one campus rather than four,” said Patra.
The Green Line will now continue past Lechmere with stops in East Somerville, Gilman Square by Somerville City Hall, Magoun and Ball Squares and finally Medford/Tufts – by Tufts University. Irene Chang is a freshman at Tufts University. “There are certain parts of Boston that are easier to reach with the Green Line so I would definitely use it,” said Chang.
In Somerville, a new T station here means more business around the station. “There will be good business because many people will pass by here and will want water and snacks and all the things. I think it will be good for the store,” said a store clerk. “Morning time obviously people will buy coffee and snacks”.
Service on the new stretch will begin Monday morning. The first train is expected to pull out of here just after 5 a.m. An event to celebrate the opening will happen later in the day.
The MBTA told us the original plan was to open last December, but the schedule slipped due to COVID-19-related impacts and other factors. A spokesperson says the project is being completed on budget. Paul Galvin is a mechanical engineer student. “My dorm is right here especially as I work here and walk right into Boston at Park Street. Very beneficial for us,” said Galvin.
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