While full implementation of the Indigo Line, as proposed on this website, is ambitious and far-reaching, success in this corridor can be achieved incrementally.  During initial phases, only one to three of the new stations may open, while existing station environments are modestly improved.  Existing rolling stock can continue to operate prior to procurement of new DMU’s.  While headways may not initially be cut to every fifteen minutes, they may be reduced to every twenty during peak hours and more limited weekend and night service may be added.  Ultimately, the greatest strength of the Indigo Line is that it is not all or nothing -- each investment will pay dividends immediately.

  The goal is to, by steps, create a service that is fundamentally different from what is offered today. Picture sleek, attractive one to four car DMU trains serving handsome, well-maintained, well-lit stations in Hyde Park, Mattapan and Dorchester every ten to fifteen minutes.

  Unlike the rest of the commuter rail network, which is used predominantly by peak hour/peak direction commuters, carrying the highest marginal cost to the authority, the new Indigo Line will attract discretionary, off-peak trips in both directions, more like the Red, Orange, Blue or Green Lines.  The Indigo Line will operate in intermodal coordination with the entire transit network, connecting with commuter and intercity rail at both terminals, and local buses at the intermediate stations.  It will relieve overcrowded bus routes in the corridor, providing frequent, reliable, rapid transportation between dense, under-served residential neighborhoods, new industrial developments and downtown Boston.  It is a cost-effective way of meeting the region’s growing transportation needs while utilizing an existing, currently underused capacity.  Ultimately, the successful introduction of the Indigo Line can serve as a model for better utilization of the commuter rail network in other urban settings such as Lynn, Chelsea, Cambridge, Somerville, Allston/Brighton, or Medford.

Scenes from the Readville/Fairmount Line

• The existing line at Four Corners A double-tracked, exclusive right-of-way, similar to the Highland Branch ROW in Newton, which became the Green Line "D" branch in 1959. (For more on that commuter rail to transit conversion, visit History of the Green Line in Newton).
• Stairs at Four Corners A remnant of a once - and we hope - future station. Of course, stations on the new Indigo Line will have to be made handicapped accessible.
• Uphams Outbound Platform The current outbound platform at Uphams Corner.
• Uphams Corner from Railroad Bridge Looking down the neighborhood from the railroad bridge (don't try this at home!).

Indigo Line Home Page || Background || Existing Conditions

Future Opportunities || Cost || Supporters || Conclusion

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This page created 9.9.00, last modified 8.1.01.