So, we’ve done the SL2, SL4, and SL5, and the short-turns. All that remains are the SL1 and SL3. And hell, the SL1’s the only one I’ve never ridden as I’ve done the SL3 plenty of times. So, let’s look at this “BRT” route.
Flight departures at South Station?!
First off, before even boarding, at South Station, I noticed there were flight departures. Woah, I genuinely never noticed them before despite riding the Silver numerous times. But, that’s probably because I never ride the SL1. So, the bus pulls up, it’s crowded (highest ridership of the three Transitway routes!), and off to Logan Airport!
There she is!
So, after running through the usual Transitway affair and express onto the Pike, we pull off onto what I think is the last exit, and right into the terminals. Get ready, because this might perplex a few people.
First stop was Terminal A. Nothing to note here, there’s at least signage here (and at all the stops). Terminals B’s two stops, and C’s stop were much of the same, as we weaved by every terminal. Terminal E, internationals, was also largely the same. People got on and off at each stop (predictably), with slightly longer dwell times than normal at each one due to loading luggage onto the racks. Yes, these Neoplans had luggage racks! After Terminal E, we were back onto the Pike and into the Transitway. You’ll ask, “where’s Terminal D?” Well, that doesn’t exactly “exist”, so to say.
The good: Well, if we look at the Silver Line as a rapid bus (e.g. same class as the R Line), then the SL1 is a pretty damn decent airport express bus. Sure, it’ll get clogged up on the Pike pretty easily, but for what it is, it stops curbside at the terminals, and runs express to the Transitway. Besides, unlike most other airport buses I’ve ridden to this point, it’s got luggage racks! The terminals are also your only officially free entryway into the subway system, too!
The bad: Unfortunately, it’s not true “rapid transit”. In fact, I’d argue the case for a people mover between the terminals, and some combination of Airport and South Station. Moreso, given that the Silver Line (and the SL1 mostly) is at the behest of mixed traffic beyond the Transitway.
Nearby points of interest: You’re not gonna get a lot in the way of points of interest at Logan. But you can change for the Red Line, Commuter Rail, Amtrak, and the other Silver Line routes at South Station!
Overall, it’s alright. As a normal or rapid bus route, it’s pretty good. But, as BRT, as the T advertises, it kinda sucks. But, hey, you can get into the subway for free! Neat! Hmmm, I wonder how many terminals one could touch before needing to leave fare control?
Born in 1903, Tom Yawkey was an important figure in the MLB, having owned the Red Sox for most of his life. At first glance, he might seem like a reasonable enough man, even taking in Latino players when integration was key. However, this time also drew controversy towards him because of him allegedly (and, I’ll note, I haven’t found much to prove or disprove this) being particularly racist towards the Black community and being dead last to have a Black player on the team’s roster. He’d eventually go on to pass away due to leukemia in the ’70s.
Now what the HELL does baseball or MLB executives have to do with anything I write about here?! Well, I’ll tell you.
This station was formerly named after him, that’s what! Meet: Lansdowne (formerly Yawkey)
A Worcester train!Bye!
Now, getting off the train after going through the literal pits of hell known as Tracks 5 & 7 at BBY, the first thing that I noticed was the unusual platform configuration. You’ve got two side platforms, but both platforms have the yellow line facing the Mass Pike. Now, while this is unusual, there’s a good reason in that it was built with minimizing the gap between the train and platform, as the station is built on a relatively sharp curve. There’s also elevators, and unlike most of the Worcester Line (including Back Bay!), it’s got level boarding, as the mini-high was demolished with a 2012-2014 rebuild. There’s also an overpass, both towards Beacon Street and over the South Station-bound track. Just be ready to deal with rabid Sox fans during the season, and the cars of the Mass Pike whirring by. Luckily, Kenmore is also in walking distance from here. Neat!
Woah.A bunch of numbers (retired? I don’t really follow baseball.)Woo, Mass Pike!Looking towards Framingham and WorcesterHelvetica!Looking towards Fenway ParkLooking up towards South Station, at track levelThis gives off mini “pits of Hell” vibesThe Citgo sign looms…
The good: It’s got level boarding! Also, walking distance to the Green Line at Kenmore, along with commuting potential to Longwood, BU, and Brookline. And, the sports atmosphere, if that’s your thing. (it isn’t mine personally, but I know a couple of people).
The bad: It’s a bit tucked away, like it wants to be hidden. Aesthetics? Not the best, but whatever.
Nearby points of interest: Fenway Park is the big one!
Transit connections: Commuter Rail (Worcester) MBTA bus (8, 19, 60, 65 on Brookline Ave.)
Overall, it’s an alright station. Being here in the middle of winter, I’m not sure if it’s enough to handle game day crowds for Fenway Park, but since they rebuilt it in 2014 I’m sure it’s probably not a major issue. Plus, the Green Line is a short walk away!
Wait, there’s ANOTHER MBTA opening?! Well shit, let’s look at it at the crack of dawn! I mean, if I can do the GLX where pretty much all the cards were stacked against me, I can pretty much do anything. Besides, it’s been pretty much exactly 42 years since an MBTA train last stopped here. So, let’s look at it, shall we?
Signage!
So, I Ubered up to the area at around 3 AM with a 3:30 arrival. It was downpouring, so being able to take refuge under the overpass was a godsend. Speaking of which, the entire station was well lit, I almost mistook it for a sporting arena for a moment! Parking? 200 whole spaces! Add that to not one but TWO dropoff areas and a busway, and you have a decent enough bus terminal. But they had to screw up with two things: There’s no heating AND there’s no bathrooms or indoor area! Like, dammit RIDOT, why did you have to shaft RIPTA like that?! Also, engineered out bathrooms?! WHO DOES THAT?! Did I mention bus connections?! You get 10 of them. TEN! ALL the Pawtucket-area routes stop here!
That’s a LOT of lighting!Looking southbound with a very enthusiastic MilesAnd the other wayPeople from Keolis were giving out swag, including buttons, luggage tags, and umbrellasRedundant elevators, in normal MBTA fashionThe mezzanine
Alrighty, so the Commuter Rail section of the station itself is pretty decent. Full level boarding, Helvetica signage, an updated system map (with the South Coast extension, woohoo!), and redundant elevators that didn’t smell like urine but probably do now. There’s also departure boards, something lacking at T.F. Green and Wickford. Art is present in the form of a yarn ball, which represents the area’s historical ties to the textile industry. And, lastly, although the station has three tracks, the third track is just a freight siding that never sees passenger use, so the platform setup is more akin to New London’s in that you have a side and island, but the island is essentially just another side platform with one side blocked off.
The ballThe skeleton of the old station looms ahead…And looking towards Providence and Wickford!First train!
From here, we had a small gathering, mainly consisting of a few people including Dylan, Miles (stay tuned for the video on this station!), Daria, Jordan (who had to head back up to Boston shortly after returning), Zoe, and a few others whose names slip past my exhausted mind (I barely got sleep and am running on a 2hr power nap right now!), and we proceeded onwards. Initially, the plan was we’d get off at Attleboro, but instead we shifted to Mansfield. So, we took #800 out to Mansfield, got off, waited in the miserable weather, and got on #801 back to Pawtucket. By the time we got back, and we heard the “train approaching” warning going off (which, at the time, were not in the most functional of states), we saw an Acela coming through to which we gave some fanfare for being the first Amtrak train to express through. After all this, several of us left and it boiled down to six of us, including Miles, Dylan, and I, and we got breakfast at the Modern Diner, and after which everyone aside from Miles and Dylan left. Here’s that video, by the way!
Empty comet carSee ya!Mansfield feels like the nighttime version of the first level of Tony Hawk’s UndergroundMMMMMM, DIESEL!First Amtrak of the day!See ya! – and Channel 10!South Coast extension!
The good: It’s right near the downtown of two MAJOR, and very populated cities! There hasn’t been revenue service around here since the ’80s when the old station was pretty much abandoned by the MBTA, and RIDOT finally replaced it – 17 years after building a rail yard nearby for Keolis. And, for what it’s worth, it’s decent but it’s got one MAJOR flaw that prevents it from being more than an above average station. Plus, you have all of RIPTA’s Pawtucket-area routes, and weekend service on the MBTA too! It’s hella more than Wickford! And, if this was my first impression of Rhode Island, after living in Boston or wherever else, I’d say this place would make a pretty good first impression. You also have a small commuter lot, 200 spaces, for what it’s worth.
The bad: Remember when I said there’s one major flaw? Yeah, it’s the bathrooms and lack of an indoor waiting area. Sure, the shelters could be rectified with heating, and if I remember someone from RIPTA said they’d be looking into installing heaters, but the fact RIDOT valued out bathrooms and indoor waiting areas is HORRIBLE. What were they thinking?! And it’s a major terminal for buses, too! (POST EDIT: Apparently even the Commuter Rail part got value engineered to hell! There were plans for two additional tracks so that Amtrak trains can express, but RIDOT really said “nope!” Stuff like this is probably why the Providence Line is neutered, and that’s not considering the lack of electrified tracks in Attleboro, Warwick, and North Kingstown!)
Nearby points of interest: You’ve got Slater Mill and the various local-owned shops of Pawtucket and Central Falls! Hasbro HQ isn’t too far, either. If you’re like Miles and Jackson and enjoy diners, you’ve also got the Modern Diner, which has a streamlined design (apparently the last of its kind?!), and even that aside they have pretty decent food. Just don’t play around near the Wyatt Detention Center. A ticket machine for RIPTA and the Commuter Rail would be nice too. There’s also a soccer stadium located pretty close by as well. Neat!
Overall, it’s a very, VERY good station for what it is. Yes, it’s majorly lacking and the bathrooms are just porta-toilets (which, I don’t count), but for what it does have, it’s a pretty good station with a mix of foamer potential, bus service, WEEKEND SERVICE (*cough unlike Wickford*), and decent geography near two major town centers. And, for that, I still think it’s worthy of a high rating, but not a 9 or 10.
Rating: 7.5/10
And below are some foamer shots I got over the course of the morning!
Freight!Same train, but the ass!The dignitary train!Oh, hi!And leaving. Oh look, foamers.And another one!A Regional crests the bendThe ribboncutting ceremony!Well that’s a freakin’ lie!And another one!TWO OF THEM?!Overhead Acela!Another P&W!The ass of that trainOverhead Regional!Bye!
So, we go from the end of the line to the middle of downtown Boston. Let’s look at Chinatown, shall we?
Shiny!
So, the platform is a little dark, but the signage is also shiny weirdly. But, hey, I’ll take it. Fare control is a little small as well, and there’s stairs and elevators up to Washington and Essex Streets. Yeah, not a lot to talk about with the mezzanine, but it’s your standard affair. The headhouses are also alright, with patterned fencing things. However, there’s one major issue: no free crossovers. Yeah, that’s a yikes. But hey, it’s likely you’ll encounter tourists here along with the SL4 and SL5 at street level! Except there’s no shelter or anything. Oh well! Apparently there’s also a pair of abandoned entrances, but I didn’t seem to find them on street level.
OH NO, DOTS!A little blurry, eh?And the Oak Grove side (thanks Brooke!)Stairs!A headhouse!
The good: Well, it’s in a tourist destination (Chinatown), although relative to others it’s not that big a place. But, still, Boston’s Chinatown is still a place worth checking out if you have the time.
The bad: No free crossovers?! WHY?! Also, the lackluster Silver Line stop. I couldn’t even tell at a quick glance due to the lack of signage or shelters!
Nearby points of interest: Well, you’ve got Chinatown! Alternatively, Boston Common is a stone’s throw away as is Boylston, along with a few theaters.
Transit connections: Orange Line Silver Line (SL4, SL5) MBTA bus (11)
Overall, it’s not the best of stations. Yeah, I’m not sure what it is with downtown stations just overall being grade A trash seemingly, but this fits the bill. Hopefully that changes when I check out the transfer stations and Tufts Medical later down the road. Just maybe…
Ah, Orient Heights. Yeah, this one wasn’t too terribly exciting either. But, it’s got something the other stations lack! Let’s look.
Helvetica!
Of course, you have two platforms, with fare control lining the fencing on either side. It’s nothing much, but it gets the job done. And, hey, at least there’s a crossover within fare control! Neat…..except there’s a FENCE running down the bridge halfway! WHY?! At least, there’s a busway on the Bowdoin-bound side. And, hey, for foamers it’s nice since you have the Blue Line yard and you’re also in walking distance to the beach, if airplanes are your thing.
See ya!From the overpass!The stairs & escalator!Fare control!The busway!THE YARD…History!
The good: Well, it’s in the middle of a residential neighborhood, has a busway with a countdown clock, and (somehow missing it) a surprising amount of parking. Yeah, this is technically a park & ride!
The bad: The emergency exits. My friend almost went through one in attempt to find the crossover, for crying out loud! I mean, yeah, it’s not big, but it shouldn’t be that easy for an idiot to try going through the emergency exit!
Nearby points of interest: You have Orient Heights Beach! Yeah, I don’t know a lot about the area.
Transit connections: Blue Line MBTA bus (120, 712, 713)
Overall, it’s an alright station for what it is. Sure, it doesn’t have the glitz and glamor of Assembly or the ugly concrete hellscapeness of Oak Grove (wink wink), but it still stands out- wait, are those solar panels on the roof? Yeah, I’m not sure but look at satellite imagery makes it seem so.
Ah, Cleveland Circle and Reservoir. They’re like two twins that absolutely CANNOT be separated under any circumstances. Let’s look at them.
Helvetica!
First, Cleveland Circle. It’s pretty generic with not a lot to note. Benches exist, as do wastebins and, supposedly, a CharlieCard validator (but c’mon, who’s validating their fare???) Yeah, not a lot to note about this one. It’s got an on-foot transfer to Reservoir, though, by virtue of the two essentially being one and the same.
Unofficial parking!Two Type 8/7 combos!Benches, shelter, wastebinsTrack connections to Reservoir. Look both ways!
Alrighty, now to Reservoir. Reservoir’s a little more exciting. For one, you have fully sheltered platforms with benches. Supposedly, the inbound platform (towards Union Square) is also heated, but I didn’t try it out. There’s also a third platform which, I think, is used for short-turns and in the event the line past here is bustituted. I’m not sure though, so if anyone’s better-versed on this, please tell me if I’m right or not. Both stations also have a bus connection to the 51 to Forest Hills and the 86 to Sullivan and Union Squares, with Reservoir having the busway. Neat! Lastly, why the HELL is there a wheelchair lift if level boarding is a thing with the Type 8s and 9s?! I mean, I’m sure there’s a reason, but what reasonable operator’s gonna want to get out and crank a wheelchair lift all of 3 inches off the ground?!
See ya!Reservoir’s Helvetica!The tunnel towards RiversideThe Reservoir yard!I think this train was part of a nonrevenue equipment move.The maintenance facility!Accessibility, what’s that?
The good: Well, they’re a decent transfer together, though you’ll have to let the operator know and, if they’re nice enough, will let you tap a transfer without paying on your CharlieCard. However, be prepared to pay twice. It’s also an alright foaming spot for the Green Line, as you have the Reservoir yard right there. Cleveland Circle also has the amenities one would expect, with a sheltered area and wastebins.
The bad: Cleveland Circle is kinda generic. Not a lot to note. Reservoir also feels kinda generic otherwise, but at least has the busway. Plus, there’s the fact equipment moves from the C branch have to use the street-running tracks on Chestnut Hill Avenue poses a danger to people, moreso if they’re unaware of their surroundings.
Nearby points of interest: You’ve got Boston College, as well as a few playgrounds and the namesake Chestnut Hill Reservoir!
Transit connections: Green Line (D at Reservoir, C at Cleveland Circle) MBTA bus (51, 86 at Reservoir)
Overall, they’re alright, but like, there’s just not a lot to them. I hate to say it, but there’s not a lot in the way of memorable stuff or any charm like Coolidge Corner. And, yes, since they’re essentially one station that operates as two in practice, I’m counting it as two for the purpose of scoring.
Rating: 6/10 for Reservoir 5/10 for Cleveland Circle
I did not know much about Coolidge Corner going into this entry, aside from that it seemed like a cool place. OH BOY, would this place pretty much change my opinion of Brookline from “meh, ’tis only suburbia” to “HOLY CRAP this is a decent place!” Now, let’s get into it.
Helvetica!
Coolidge Corner, at the end of the day, is a street stop at the intersection of Beacon and Harvard Streets in Brookline. However, it does have a bit going for it vs. most other street stops. For one, you have a sizable old town-style shelters, with matching signage. Neat! Further along, you also have a singular bus connection, the 66 to Harvard or Nubian and…..FLIXBUS?! Yeah, I didn’t see any Flixbus buses, but I guess there’s an intercity bus connection.
Here’s your damn Flixbus!
Of course, I have a thing for historic European old town aesthetics, to which Coolidge Corner seems to fit quite well. Obviously, there’s better places, but this seems to be the best to my awareness before crossing into “tourist trap” territory. It’s also walkable! Like, GOD, the S.S. Pierce Building really adds to the vibes this area gives off!
The Green Line shelterThe S.S. Pierce Building and a trainSee ya!A nonrevenue equipment move and the building
The good: It’s just got that historic old town energy going for it! Like, GOD, do I love it! It’s also quite wide and spacious for a street stop, with its staggered stop placement on either side of an S bend through Harvard Street. Also, the 66 and Flixbus stops here. There’s also plenty in the way of shopping.
The bad: No shelters for the 66 and Flixbus! Yeah, it’s minor, but there’s not a lot to complain about here.
Nearby points of interest: Mostly shopping. A friend was with me and dug around Brookline Books for at least 40 minutes. There’s also the S.S. Pierce building.
Transit connections: Green Line (C) MBTA bus (66) Flixbus
Overall, I really like this station and it’s objectively probably best in class. Riding the rest of the C branch had nothing special for most other stations, same is true for the E branch, while the B branch just looks like a nightmare on Street View. I also just like the vibes the neighborhood gives off in general.
Alrighty, the last of the GLX stations! A friend and I explored the station a little more than with Science Park. So, let’s look at it, shall we?
Helvetica!
If I looked at the old Lechmere, I’d have given it a 5, maybe a 6, on the basis of how freakin’ dingy it was. However, the new Lechmere is NOT that. New Lechmere is quite bright, with a canopy covering the island platform, and nice-looking elevator shafts. There’s also a busway under the viaduct and a Pedal & Park somewhere. And yes, just like the other GLX stations, it’s the honor system. Ugh. But hey, at least the elevator doesn’t smell like urine! The busway also feels kinda dingy, despite being brand spankin’ new, as well.
Nicely covered!The old station razedThe fancy elevator shaft!The T globe!I spy a busway and….BlueBikes?Oh please, they could’ve put faregates here!The busway. Not exactly a fan of this.A type 8!
The good: It’s in a decent spot! It’s also got a liberal amount of bus connections as well as two Green Line branches! From here, the two branches split off to Union Square and Medford. It’s also close to a few shopping centers and, if you’re willing to walk a little, the Bunker Hill Community College (though the Orange Line is better for that).
The bad: Really? Still no faregates. Also no heated areas or bathrooms. The busway feels mildly dingy despite being new.
Nearby points of interest: I’m not really familiar with the area, but a quick look on Google Maps shows Cambridgeside and Cambridge Crossing, as well as North Point Park (moreso if you’re a railfan).
Overall, it’s alright. Just, it suffers from the same pitfalls as the other GLX stations. Hell, if it weren’t for the lack of faregates, it’d probably be the best GLX station second to Medford.
Transit connections: Green Line (D, E) MBTA bus (69, 80, 87, 88)
Alrighty, this entry is technically part 6 of the GLX saga, but unfortunately it had to be delayed a month due to just simply being waaaaaay too exhausted after Gilman Square and visiting East Somerville with Miles, Brooke, Jeremy, and the others. Either way, here’s the first of the final two parts to the GLX saga, 27 days after the fact.
Helvetica!
Now, I know, it’s Science Park/West End (or Science Park Slash West End), but everyone just calls it Science Park. Of course, it’s elevated, which is always a treat. 😀
Anyways, you’ve got two elevated platforms which are rather plain and bogstandard. Stairs go down to the crossover area, and I’m pretty sure fare control is located just past the doors in said crossover area, but I didn’t have much time to check. I’ll also add, said doors and fare control is kinda tight in spacing. But, hey, at least up here you have the Charles River and a view of the North Station approach! In a sense, with how scenic it is, I’d consider this the Green Line’s Charles/MGH. If you’re foaming the Green, this is a quintessential spot, to paraphrase a friend’s opinion on here. Oh, as a fun aside, this is also the least-used fare-controlled Green Line station.
Down to Hell!Kinkisharyo.The stairs downType 7.The T signThe Zakim Bridge!Another shot and the North Station approach drawbridgeOH GOD MY EYES!
The good: It’s located near the Museum of Science – the station’s biggest draw! It’s also near some parks.
The bad: Just one problem – it’s in the middle of the intersection! Yeah, it suffers from Charles’ biggest issue, too. Good luck!
Nearby points of interest: Guess. Just guess.
Overall, this is an alright station. It doesn’t have the modern aesthetic that Charles has, but it’s still serviceable. Just uh, good luck crossing the street.
WHEW, is it me or does it smell like Galilee down here?! Nah, I’m just kidding, although you can catch a few wafts of the ocean. Entering: Aquarium.
…does Bowdoin not exist?
Alrighty! So, the platform is your basic affair of what you’d expect on a Blue Line station. You’ve got, of course, two sides. However, unlike much of the T, the station kinda reminds me of a WMATA station in how the ceilings and walls look. I mean, I don’t hate the WMATA’s design, it feels very representative of the Cold War era (when that system came to be), but here I feel it’s nice too. You’ve also got some nice-looking tiles on the side, with even the mezzanine having the stone tile going on. As for the mezzanine, I couldn’t check (was waiting for a train), but here’s a picture from Miles’ entry on Aquarium.
Now, there’s one special thing about Aquarium that most other stations (actually, all) lack: a water connection. That’s right – Aquarium is in walking distance to Long Wharf, where one can connect with the ferry. Now, hopefully I get around to doing the Charlestown and Hingham/Hull ferries this year, so stay tuned.
Towards Wonderlandand towards Bowdoin!The train!
The good: It’s right at a major tourist site! So, predictably, most people using this station are either transferring from the ferry or they’re going to the Aquarium.
The bad: That said, it’s kinda close to State Street! I mean, I’m pretty sure most people end up using that and walking the 1/4 mile. The sole bus connection is also the weekday-only 4, which is also peak-only, at that. That blows. Oh yeah, the smell of the ocean permeates the station.
Nearby points of interest: Take a guess.
Overall, it’s decent. And, if North/South rail happens, I feel like this station would be a good place to put a downtown infill CR/Amtrak stop (a Union Station?) to terminate trains at. And, besides, it’ll give the Blue a much-needed Commuter Rail link. Just don’t let the smell of fish make you heave over and vomit onto the 3rd rail.
