The MBTA used Watertown Carhouse as a repair shop, storage facility and as a base for work cars and snow plows. The tracks were maintained at levels where LRVs and Type 7s could traverse them, along with the various service cars and PCCs. At least one LRV was kept equipped with a pole for such operation. The removal was forced by a local state rep who wanted street improvements in the area, thus the MBTA was required to remove the tracks, not pave them over. It was an "Outside Section" added to the state budget, and supported by a Newton rep who wanted to eliminate the wrong way operation in Newton Corner. The Watertown line was the last lengthy section of track kept alive after passenger operations were discontinued. Other Examples were the Route 92 trackage in Charlestown (1948-1963), Broadway, & Chelsea St. In Everett and Everett Av in Chelsea (1938-1952) and Somerville Av. in Cambridge/Somerville (1941-1958). These "Ghost Lines" enabled equipment transfers as the system evolved into a bus operation. The legislative action was also used to short circuit desires in Brighton to restore passenger service to Oak Sq. Unlike the other operations which were reduced to single tracks in places, the MBTA maintained the Watertown Line as double track from 1969 to 1994.
Gerry. STM/BSRA
The next stop is Washington. Change for Forest Hills Trains on the Winter St. Platform, and Everett Trains on the Summer St. Platform. This is an Ashmont train, change for Braintree at Columbia.
The next stop is Washington. Change for Forest Hills Trains on the Winter St. Platform, and Everett Trains on the Summer St. Platform. This is an Ashmont train, change for Braintree at Columbia.