CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — For the first time in 63 years, the Green Line is expanding. On Monday morning, the first trains left the brand new Union Square station in Somerville.
A newly constructed Lechmere station opened back up to riders in Cambridge.
Monday’s station openings mark the first phase of the Green Line extension that’s been in the works since 1990. At that time, the extension into Somerville was estimated around $600 million. After years of delays and setbacks, the project has finally come to fruition, costing over $2 billion. In the second phase of the project, which is expected to open up sometime later this year, there will be five new stations along the extension that will expand into MedfoOfficialsials say the green line extension will support more than 50,000 passenger trips a day.
“This is going to give access to the residents of these communities, this is going to give them access to the subway systems in Boston,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Right now you can get a one seat ride from Union Square all the way to Heath Street. Really exciting. Really excited to open this for this community.”
The Lechmere station has been closed for about two years to build a new one that is now across the street. But that’s not the only change that comes for riders this morning. They’ll also have to validate their fare.
The MBTA released this tutorial video on Twitter. Before riders board the new Lechmere and Union Square stations, they have to validate their fare. They can tap their Charlie Card at a fare vending machine, select validation, tape their Charlie Card one more time and then take the receipt and hold on to it for your ride.
“The fare system works a little bit differently with these stations,” said Poftak. “You can either tap in at the fare vending machine as you enter the station or you can tap in at the fare box when you board, so there’s two options for our riders. You’ll get a paper receipt at the fare vending machine that you can show as proof of payment if needed.”
The MBTA says students will also need to validate their fares. There will be personnel on hand if riders need help.
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