Celebrations for the opening of the five new Medford Branch Green Line stations are scheduled for December 12 and 17.— Photos by Bobbie Toner

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.

“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

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Community Celebration (rain or shine, choo-choo train is weather permitting): 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 a kid’s choo-choo train ride (outside), live music, indoor children’s activities, an oral history project, a food truck and hot cocoa, other refreshments, a speaking program, 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.

Opening Day Celebration at Ball Square Station

4:45 a.m., First Ride: Passenger service begins.

Rush hour celebration at Ball Square Station: 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. Exact timing is dependent upon MBTA activities planned for the day.

The city will announce specific times soon and will post them as well to www.somervillema.gov/GLX. Come join in at Ball Square station, which has a good-sized public gathering area to celebrate all five new stations. 

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