Somerville to Celebrate Green Line Extension Opening

It’s finally real. After decades of advocacy, a lawsuit, endless planning, delays, a miraculous win of federal funding, more advocacy, an 11th-hour save via a $50 million payment, bridge closures, travel disruptions, and several years of less-than-welcome construction impacts, the Green Line Extension is finally here. Passenger service will begin on the Medford Branch’s five shiny, new T stops on Monday, December 12. So, of course, Somerville is going to celebrate – two times. The City is hosting a big all-community party on Saturday, December 17, and a morning rush hour celebration at the Ball Square Station on opening day, Monday, December 12. That same day in Medford, the MBTA will host a public ribbon cutting at the Medford/Tufts Station at 10 a.m.

“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the beginning of full Green Line service in Somerville. Expanding public transit access is vital to creating a more equitable future, more jobs, cleaner air, and greater sustainability,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “Our transit advocates, our elected officials, and City, State, and MBTA staff all deserve immense gratitude for their tireless work to bring this historical public transit expansion to our area. As a frequent rider myself, I look forward to seeing my neighbors on the T soon – and at our two upcoming celebrations.” 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne invites the community to celebrate this historic milestone at two events: 

Go Green Line! Community Celebration (December 17) 

• 2-4 p.m. Community Celebration The main event is the Saturday, December 17, Go Green Line! Community Celebration at Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue). The indoor-outdoor celebration will feature live music, indoor children’s activities, an oral history project, a food truck and hot cocoa, other refreshments, a speaking program, free memorabilia, and more.  Event attendees will also be close enough to walk down and check out the new Gilman Square T-stop behind the High School before or after the event. (Update: The kids' choo-choo train ride has been canceled due to weather, but the rest of the event will continue as planned).

Opening Day Celebration at Ball Square Station (December 12) 

• 4:45 a.m., First Ride: Passenger service begins. 
• 7-8 a.m.: Mayor Ballantyne, advocates, and City staff will greet T riders and all interested T fans at Ball Square Station to celebrate the opening of the full Green Line Extension with a band and free opening day memorabilia. Come join in at Ball Square station, which has a good-sized public gathering area to celebrate all five new stations.

MBTA Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at Medford/Tufts Station (December 12)

• 10 a.m.: The MBTA is hosting a public ribbon cutting at the Medford/Tufts Station on Monday, December 12 at 10 a.m., followed by a speaking program inside at the Joyce Cummings Center, 177 College Ave. All are welcome.

For more information on the Green Line, including a full-service map and daily schedules visit mbta.com/green.