Speed
The B Branch is frequently criticized by riders for its slow service. It is markedly slower than the C branch, in part because of its greater density of stops and at-grade crossings. Both B and C line branches are slower than the D branch, which has the lowest stop density and a dedicated right-of-way.
In late 2003, the MBTA proposed eliminating five stops along the branch (Greycliff Road, Mount Hood Road, Summit Avenue, Fordham Road, and Chiswick Road.) This was seen as a way to speed up service for riders, while also reducing the MBTA's maintenance costs. Many riders welcomed the change, noting the stops' low ridership and close proximity to more popular stops. Others felt that the change did not go far enough, noting that the total time savings would be small (a few minutes out of a 45-minute trip) and the B branch would still be the slowest Green Line branch by far. Many riders questioned why the MBTA did not propose closing any of the stops east of Packard's Corner, even though this would improve travel times for the largest number of riders and several of these stops are only several hundred feet apart.
In early 2004, four of the five stops (Greycliff Road, Mount Hood Road, Summit Avenue and Fordham Road) were closed in a pilot stop elimination program. The fifth (Chiswick Road) was spared, after elderly residents of the nearby Jewish Community Housing facility rallied to its defense. In 2005, after a survey showed that 73% of 1,142 riders surveyed approved of the closures, the MBTA announced that the four stops would be closed permanently. Despite these favorable and popular results by B branch riders, the MBTA maintains no further plans to improve service times on the B branch, either by reducing stop frequency or using any other means.
Read more about this topic: Green Line "B" Branch
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