MBTA MAP + PROPOSAL
These maps are as much graphic representation as they are urban analysis and proposal. As is increasingly the position of the architect, these mappings are two-dimensional transcriptions of a four-dimensional urban circulation system. Inspired by the MBTA's recent mapping competition and wanting to retain recognizability, both maps implement a deeper color palette, a strong representational hierarchy of transit modes, and greater georealism of relative station locations, among a number of other improvements.
This map of the existing MBTA system includes a simplified geography, clearer bus routes, more Commuter Rail stops, walking connections between stations, enhanced georealism, and clear designation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and trolley routes that do not have a designated right-of-way.
The map of the existing system introduces the following representational tactics:
1) Shows currently planned/under construction stations and lines: Boston Landing Commuter Rail Station, Green Line Extension, Assembly Sq. Orange Line station, Chelsea Silver Line, and Track 61 between Innovation District and Back Bay Station.
2) A simplified representation of key bus routes particularly around major hubs such as Dudley, Harvard, and Wonderland stations where previous maps did not make route termini clear.
3) Walking transfers between stations with walking times provided by Google Maps.
4) Lines that are not grade-separated (above ground sections of the B, C, and E Branches of the Green Line, SL 4 & 5, parts of SL 1 & 2, and Mattapan Line Trolley) are shown as outlined lines.
The map of my proposed MBTA system of 2024 shows all currently planned/under construction lines and stations as complete and introduces three new heavy rail subway lines to fill a number of gaps in the current system. Additionally, the three proposed lines have been investigated for feasibility and would run largely on existing right-of-ways, and have termini with sufficient surrounding space for turnarounds and rail yards.
This map imagines the MBTA of 2024 with all currently planned/under construction lines and stations completed. More importantly, it includes the addition of a new Silver Line train running from downtown Everett through Charlestown, downtown Boston and on to Franklin Park, a new Red Line branch from Harvard through Allston, Brighton, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and terminating at Newmarket on the Fairmount Line, and a new Blue Line branch running through Chelsea from Maverick to Malden with connections to the Chelsea Commuter Rail and Silver Line at Everett.
Breakdown of Proposed Lines:
1) Red Line to Newmarket: discussed and proposed in some capacity for nearly a century, this Red Line branch would function as the first section of the Urban Ring. The line would connect the four Green Line Branches, Orange Line, new Silver Line, and terminate at the Newmarket Commuter Rail stop. It would also include a new stop at Barry's Corner on Harvard's new Allston Campus to be paid for by Harvard.
2) New Silver Line: the Silver Line train would replace the existing SL 4 & 5 routes by running from downtown Everett to Franklin Park via Charlestown, downtown Boston, the South End, and Roxbury. Crucially, it provides a one-stop connection between North and South station - Boston's two main rail nodes - solving the North-South Rail Link problem with a new station in the heart of the Financial District at Post Office Sq (where the existing 8-story underground garage could provide space for a new station). It would also include a stop at the likely location of the Wynn Casino in Everett, to be paid for by the casino, as well as one at Bunker Hill in Charlestown to provide service to the underserved neighborhood and tourists visiting the many historic sites there. Continuing through the South End and meeting the new Red Line at Dudley station the line would provide students from across the city with access to Boston Latin and terminate at Franklin Park near the Zoo. A "destination" termination would help ensure the line's success and urban significance as well as connect Olmstead's green urban lung to the rest of the city.
3) Blue Line to Malden: this Blue Line branch would replace the proposed Silver Line to Chelsea, and use part of its existing right-of-way and provide connections to the Newburyport and Rockport Commuter Rail lines at Chelsea and a connection to the Silver Line at Everett. It would then continue to the Malden border to provide access to the nearby shopping center, open space, and Malden Catholic High School. The new branch would also serve the rapidly developing East Boston waterfront and Chelsea's Box District. This Blue Line proposal also includes the long-discussed extension to Charles/MGH that would provide a transfer between the system's only unconnected lines.
4) A station would be built at the Track 61/Purple Line wye in South Boston to provide connection to the Red Line at Broadway and serve both SoWa and South Boston. An additional station could eventually be built at the Silver Line SoWa stop to increase transit options to the Innovation District.
5) Orange Line to Roslindale Village: The extension of the Orange Line one stop to Roslindale Village has been greatly advocated for by residents and neighborhood associations and is a logical extension of the line that would provide service to a great many people living in the dense urban village who must currently take a series of busses or the Commuter Rail.
6) The planned addition of two commuter rail stops, Boston Landing and West Station, on the Framingham/Worcester Line are included along with proposed diesel multiple unit (DMU) service between West Station and North Station with two new stops, MIT and Broadway, in Cambridge.