by UNHAlumInCT
I was in West Roxbury on Tuesday which led me to look at the schedule of the Needham Line as well as examine the map of the line on the MBTA site. Despite what appears to be a fairly densely populated area, even once single family homes became prevalent, it really didn't look like very robust service. From observation at the Highland station, it appears that this line was once double tracked. It all set my mind off and running.
Thanks in advance for providing some background information!!
- Why are stops skipped on some runs? I would think those stops in Roslindale and West Roxbury would have good potential for ridership.
- Why wasn't the double track kept and higher frequency offered?
- Why is there no Sunday service?
- Was there ever consideration to extend the Orange Line down to West Roxbury? It's still within the Boston City Limits, through densely populated neighborhoods, only four more stops after Forest Hills, etc. Just seems like it should go that far when lines end in Medford, Revere, Braintree, etc.
- Was there ever consideration to run a heavy rail "loop" from South Station to West Roxbury and Needham then connecting over the existing ROW back to Newton Center and back into South Station? I believe I've read on this forum that the Riverside line was originally intended to be a heavy rail line rather than the current Green Line trolleys.
Thanks in advance for providing some background information!!