MBTA Capital Investments Environmental Justice Study


Community Partner: T Riders Union

Number of Students: 3-4

Project Summary:

Students will compare two upcoming projects: the Greenbush Line rail expansion to Boston's South Shore and the Silver Line bus project in the South End - Mattapan Corridor. The Greenbush line will run approximately 18 miles and serve 4700 people a day. The total projected cost will exceed $400 million. The Silverline Bus-based transportation project will be approximately 5 miles long and serve 30,000 riders a day. The current cost of the bus service will be approximately $60 million. Both projects have been controversial. Some communities along the Greenbush line opposed the project because of noise and safety issues. The Silver Line is a replacement for the old elevated Orange Line removed in 1987. Residents had hoped for the promised ì equivalent level of service, but the MBTA has opted for a bus project with an eventual promise of better service in another decade.