Green Line X-Line to run down Comm. Ave., through Boston Common to Park Street
(Update: Yes, this was my attempt at an April Fools joke. I hope you enjoyed it. )
The MBTA, the Commonwealth and the City of Boston have agreed on a nifty solution to the chronic undercapacity on the T’s Green Line, according to reliable sources in City Hall. Starting in Spetember 2007, an above-ground extension of the Green Line will run from Kenmore Square to Park Street. It will run through the mall on Commonwealth Avenue, through Public Garden and parts of Boston Common before tunneling down to the existing tracks that lead to Park Street station.
The new line will be known as the X line, as in Express, and it will have only one stop between Kenmore Square and Park Street. While the final location of that stop has yet to be decided, it will likely be near the intersection of Dartmouth Street and Commonwealth Avenue.
Only minimal work will have to be done to make way for the new line. Besides laying tracks on the mall, the T will have to widen the foot bridge in the Public Garden to make room for the trolleys. There will also be extensive work at the west end of the Common, where the X-Line will burrow into the ground to hook up with the Park Street station.
The project is expected to cost no more than $375 million, most of which will be financed through an additional $5 tax on Duck and Swan Boat tourists. There may also be a need for a small hike of commuter rail ticket rates.
