Green Line "D" Branch

Green Line "D" Branch

The "D" Branch, also known as the Highland Branch or the Riverside Line, is a portion of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Green Line, a light rail network in metropolitan Boston, Massachusetts and the suburbs to the west. It branches off near Kenmore Square from the Tremont Street Subway and Boylston Street subway from downtown shared with the other light rail lines. It then continues west for about ten miles on a private surface right of way, grade separated from roads and highways, formerly the Highland Branch of the Boston and Albany Railroad railroad. The right of way is double tracked throughout without express tracks. Currently the downtown terminus is at the Government Center station; from time to time the Riverside Line had continued an additional mile to the Lechmere terminal in East Cambridge. Free transfer is provided to the rapid transit lines and other light rail lines (the "B" Branch to Boston College, the "C" Branch to Cleveland Circle, and the "E" Branch) to Heath St.) at the various subway stops.

The "D" Branch is the most recent light rail service in the Boston area, opening in 1959. The route has varied scenery, passing golf courses, neighborhoods, woods, lakes, and small town centers. The Newton Center and Newton Highlands stations still feature classic stone station houses from the late 19th century. Over the years, space in these two stations has been rented to shops although at this time (2012) the Newton Highlands station is largely vacant.