The Blue Line: Boston's Smallest Subway

Рет қаралды 15,199

24 күн бұрын

Have you ever used the MBTA's Blue Line and wondered: how and why it was created? For such a small subway, it carries a trainload of history! Join me as we unpack the story of this wonderful rail service.
Watch Nick Dalton's video on the Blue Line as well:
• Documentary/History: T...
For more information, here are some useful links!
Blue Line Wiki Page
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Li...)
East Boston
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Bo...
NYC Subway Blue Line article
www.nycsubway.org/wiki/MBTA_B...
NYC Subway East Boston Tunnel article
www.nycsubway.org/wiki/East_B...)
Boston In Transit - Steven Beaucher
www.bostonintransit.com/
Boston's Blue Line - Frank Cheney
Images Sourced using:
Wikimedia Commons
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ma...
Digital Commonwealth
www.digitalcommonwealth.org/
Music, in the order they are played:
The Joint is Jumpin - Joel Cummins
• The Joint is Jumpin
Salute to Washington - United States Marine Band
• Salute To Washington
Shine Your Little Light - Mini Vandals
• Shine Your Little Light
Down Under - Men At Work
• Men At Work - Down Und...
If I Had a Chicken - Kevin MacLeod
• If I Had a Chicken
Amazing Plan Distressed - Kevin MacLeod
• Amazing Plan - Distressed
Jazz In Paris - Media Right Productions
• Jazz In Paris
Mountain Sun - Audionautix
• Mountain Sun
King Porter Stomp - Joel Cummins
• King Porter Stomp
Venice - Gyvus
• Venice

Пікірлер: 107

@alanthefisher 22 күн бұрын

The Blue Line is my personal favorite MBTA line. Great video

@maxtransit3526 22 күн бұрын

Thank you Alan!

@shamusduffey4873 21 күн бұрын

I live on it and I've been watching your videos for at least a year at this point. BSL🤝 Blue Line

@noggin6870 19 күн бұрын

I used to live right by Bowdoin. I loved having my station to myself most of the time haha

@MultiGrainCheerios-yk4qc 21 күн бұрын

The bowdoin buttons are because of the short departing platform. This means that the operator pulls the first two cars past the station and into the tunnel, making it so that he/she/they cannot see the doors and cannot control them.

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

So it's a sight distance issue is what you are saying?

@MultiGrainCheerios-yk4qc 19 күн бұрын

@@maxtransit3526 yes, the platform can only hold 4 cars, so the first two (containing the operator) are actually past the platform and in the tunnel. This is why the operater cannot see the doors and therefore cannot operate them. Also a fun fact: At government center, you can always get a seat by boarding the first 2 cars which are always empty because of this.

@musicmanfelipe 9 күн бұрын

The old Blue Line cars didn't have these, if I recall correctly.

@waltertomashefsky2682 21 күн бұрын

Very well done. I rode the Blue Line from Lynn to school and to work for years. As mentioned, an extension to Lynn has been in the plans since the late 1940s. It could have revitalized Lynn and made it better than the sorry city we see today. I finally realized that it would never happen in my lifetime and I left the state. Nice hat by the way😁

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

Thank you for the compliment. I am sorry this extension never lead to fruition yet, but hopefully someday soon it will happen!

@SigmaRho2922 21 күн бұрын

Extending the blue line to Charles will result in an increase in ridership, but what would really make it useful is if it gets extended to Kenmore station and then take over the D branch of the green line to Riverside. This will require the raising of platforms and the elimination of grade crossings.

@erik_griswold 20 күн бұрын

Yup, there’s a bunch of stuff that can be done if you go beyond Charles, including serving MIT’s main building and the Allston station

@DDELE7 20 күн бұрын

That would be wonderful and it makes logical sense. The Blue Line would then be the “Express” and the Green Line would be the “local” getting to and from the Seaport and Back Bay. But given the money that has been spent to update existing D branch stations I think that would be a task for the next generation of MBTA leadership to confront. One idea I have is to extend the Blue Line to Watertown. After all the state is about to redevelop Allston and the space is there along the Commuter Rail right of way for additional subway tracks. It would relieve congestion on the B branch of the Green Line and reintroduce rail service into Watertown.

@birdrocket 18 күн бұрын

Are there any grade crossings other than for pedestrians at stations? The D branch used to be heavy rail before it was converted to the green line IIRC

@ed4409 21 күн бұрын

Fun fact about the Narrow Gauge Rail is that there is STILL a roughly 400-foot long tunnel (which is still there) that goes through Jeffries Point. Unfortunately, both ends if the tunnel are completely inaccessible (one side is fenced and locked up and the other side is on company property, so there's a very high chance you'll get arrested if you try to go to the entrance on your own accord) and the Narrow Gage Tunnel is privately owned currently and has been since, I THINK, the 70's (I'm not 100% sure if the decade is correct, though).

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

Thank you for the information! This isn't in reference to the East Boston Greenway, correct? I can't find where this tunnel is.

@ed4409 19 күн бұрын

@@maxtransit3526 Absolutely not as The East Boston Greenway used to be part of The Grand Junction Railroad while the Narrow Gauge Tunnel used to be part of The East Boston, Revere Beach, and Lynn Railroad. The reason why people can't find it is because firstly, I don't like naming the company that blocked off the entrance since I don't want people actually going on their premises and secondly, I can definitely tell you that the gated and locked up entrance of the tunnel has SO much foliage that it's almost impossible to see on Everett Street most of the year. Maybe it's easier in the winter time, but I am NEVER looking for a tunnel entrance in the brick cold of Eastie's winter lol. I heard about the tunnel years ago, but I never really looked for it until recently and I will definitely tell you that it's definitely not worth it at all.

@Anon21486 19 күн бұрын

Narrow Gauge Tunnel.... Jefferies Point... Oh, I know exactly which tunnel you are talking about... If you want to know where the tunnel was, you just need to look at satellite images. Due to the tunnel still being intact, as in not being filled in, no structures are permitted to be built on top of it due to possible tunnel collapse. Due to this, you can clearly see a path where the tunnel is from above. One end is just south of Logan's Rental Car Center.

@hibraisil 17 күн бұрын

It didn't used to be locked up. Although I was too chicken to go in when I was a kid. I did explore all along what is now the greenway back in the 80s. Lot of good times and a few really bad. You could meet some bad characters if you went there at the right times.

@ninyaninjabrifsanovichthes45 22 күн бұрын

I think it's cool that it uses both overhead wires and third rail. The Blue Line trains are the only ones in North America that do this aside from the Metro North M8s.

@maxtransit3526 22 күн бұрын

Yes, it's one of the few places in the world that does this change. Amsterdam also use to have this feature for their light-rail line that merges with the metro. Unfortunately for railfans, they split the route into two separate pieces.

@ANotSoHappyGonk 22 күн бұрын

BL/RL are getting connected finally and i love it. the proposed pictures look nice too

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

YES! One of the missing links in Boston, so excited!

@KDill29 4 күн бұрын

That Down Under came out of nowhere 😂😂😂. Made me lol literally. Got me to sub.

@maxtransit3526 2 сағат бұрын

Thank you so much!

@moondogsh 22 күн бұрын

Your video popped on my feed today, presumably because I'm interested in planes, trains, and infrastructure, and I am really glad that I took the time to view it; well done! I also shared it with my dad, who lives in Chelsea.

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

Thank you so much! I am glad you liked it!

@efigina 22 күн бұрын

Love your channel!!! I'm a fellow Bostonian and transportation enthusiast. Great maps and history.

@maxtransit3526 22 күн бұрын

Thank you! You're welcome to check out the sources for more information as you need!

@cannyp3 22 күн бұрын

Best history of the Blue Line I've seen. Excellent work.

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!

@Srinathji_Das 16 күн бұрын

Thanks for this wicked awesome video! 👍💛

@maxtransit3526 16 күн бұрын

You're very welcome!

@SFICA9 13 күн бұрын

When the Red Line extension to the south shore was first proposed, overhead wires were planned and the 1400 Red Line Cars were supposed to be outfitted with pantographs but that idea was scrapped in favor of 3rd rail operation however, I did see an old artist rendition for the South Shore Line with the 1400's running under wire via pantographs. When the Seashore Trolley Museum was going to acquire two 1400s, the guy in charge of their subway car collection said retrofitting them with trolley poles for museum operation would be easier since they had been originally built to hold pantographs. If history had been different, two of Boston's subway lines could have had overhead wires.

@maxtransit3526 2 сағат бұрын

Make that 3, as the Orange Line would have also had pantographs had it been extended up to Reading.

@LiminalTub 20 күн бұрын

New Max Transit video before GTA 6 is crazy 💀

@ChrisCicc 5 күн бұрын

Loved this. Subbed and hoping for more!

@maxtransit3526 2 сағат бұрын

Thank you so much! Looking forward to making more!

@thecarwashelevatorfanatic7433 4 күн бұрын

Literally the only line on the T that runs properly 😂

@maxtransit3526 2 сағат бұрын

Wait until the ocean level rises...

@user-uo7fw5bo1o 19 күн бұрын

Excellent history of the Blue Line! I really like how you included the photo of the old Pullmans which were replaced by the Hawker Siddelys and later on the current generation of Siemens, only to soom out at Orient Heights for a train of Suemens come in and stop there. Nice touch! 👍☺️

@maxtransit3526 16 күн бұрын

Thank you very much and for mentioning this detail!

@jeffreyd2477 21 күн бұрын

Even though I am an Orange Line guy (Wellington), this was an amazing video

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!

@hibraisil 17 күн бұрын

I grew up right there. Maverick. We used to walk between Maverick and Aquarium when the trains shut down at night. Still had to be careful because if there was training, that's when they did it. Once watched a guy do a handstand on the third rail.

@NickDaltonYT 19 күн бұрын

OH FUCK YEAH!!! I’m going to be seasick!!! Thanks for the shoutout! Another banger as usual lol

@maxtransit3526 16 күн бұрын

Thank you so much friend! Your video is incredible!

@erik_griswold 20 күн бұрын

Fun fact, when the ferries shut down, that meant it was difficult to move horse-drawn carriages and pushcarts from East Boston, where many of these vehicles and animals resided, into downtown Boston.

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

I did not know that, thank you for the insight!

@ferris-fam 12 күн бұрын

amazing quality video, bro

@maxtransit3526 2 сағат бұрын

Thank you so much!

@Bassotronics 17 күн бұрын

I thought it was gonna be a cute small train for small people... but it's actually a short run.

@WHALEPSHIZZ 22 күн бұрын

The goat is back 🔥🗣️

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

Hehehe glad to be back!

@strobelightbrian 21 күн бұрын

Great video! Love the details you add to it. If you could limit your hand movements it would help but otherwise great video!

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

Thank you so much! And, sorry for the hand movements. We were by the ocean so they were acting wavy!

@gagemorin3862 6 күн бұрын

Awesome video man! Did you go to school at Umass Lowell? Swear I had a class with you lol.

@brianj4963 20 күн бұрын

Boston needs a metro like DC

@erik_griswold 20 күн бұрын

We also need a 90% match like Washington DC had. Unfortunately Ronald Reagan happened.

@EpicThe112 22 күн бұрын

Being on that line back in December 2023 from what I know between Maverick and the airport they would simply accelerate to speed and then Coast to the airport station where Pantographs is raised. On the westbound back to downtown Boston what they do is stop at the airport change voltage. I wonder why they couldn't do it at speed between airport and Maverick stations like a Metro-North M8. Otherwise the line is operated like the Thameslink Germany Hvv Hamburg S-Bahnvotlage change Logan Airport Blue Line🇺🇲 Faringdon West London Lines 🇬🇧 🇩🇪Neugraben. However the United Kingdom and Germany versions are main line rolling stock would you use a different signal system than the subway in Boston Thameslink West London Line AWS TPWS CBTC overlaid on ETCS the German example uses Punktförmige Zugbeeinflussung. If the Boston Blue Line management went to Hamburg Germany in the 1950s by taking it's PZB System Blue Line trains in Boston will need to know that they must go 25 mph with signal room instruction to proceed past a red light with two white dots

@maxtransit3526 22 күн бұрын

The main reason they wouldn't, and probably shouldn't, change at speed is because it goes into a tunnel before reaching Maverick. The Pantographs would hit the tunnel, which has happened in the past. It's safer to change it at the station then needing to risk doing it in motion, especially with the tunnel.

@EpicThe112 22 күн бұрын

@maxtransit3526 thank you for telling me about that on the westbound put on the eastbound side they simply coast to the station or once outside of the tunnel activate the Pantagraph like a Metro-North M8 🇺🇲 🇬🇧Class 700 377/2/5/7 395 387s 🇩🇪 DB Baureihe 490 474.4. For the German version in Hamburg they need to be aware of PZB speeds

@erik_griswold 20 күн бұрын

It used to be that the change from Pantograph to Third-Rail was done at Maverick, but it was changed to Airport, perhaps because the stop there is now longer thanks to airline passengers boarding and alighting.

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

I think it makes maintaining the catenary easier without the need to go down to Maverick.

@erik_griswold 20 күн бұрын

@@maxtransit3526 Agreed but isn’t it still in place all the way to Maverick?

@baystated 21 күн бұрын

Cool. Lots of changes for a small line. The extension to Red is finally happening thought right? Only rode the Blue Line once going from Wentworth in backbay to the airport.

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

There are plans to connect with the Red Line by 2030, but it hasn't been confirmed that it will be built. But fingers crossed it will!

@jetg2059 9 күн бұрын

The blue line has the oldest train operator in the world she is in the genius world record book they just put up a plaque at aquarium station for her

@Mhmd_F 21 күн бұрын

I like the Blue Line if only because the trains on it actually go fast unlike the Red and Green line trains

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

It is quite speedy, it has always been seen as the MBTA's most reliable line.

@heli-crewhgs5285 8 күн бұрын

The video is well made and very informative. The presenter really needs to discipline himself, and keep his hands still. His hand movements seem to travel upwards, causing his head to swivel left and right. For me, it’s like watching an oscillating fan that has the ability to talk!

@user-oc1bd8so4c 20 күн бұрын

Keep your hands still

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

I am sorry, I was just going with the flow of the ocean.

@nafisali2434 20 күн бұрын

It has been a whole year since you posted

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

Yeah it's been a bit difficult on my part but glad I have finally got this out!

@BALHAM69 19 күн бұрын

This did good in views.😮

@jeffreyandrews6700 21 күн бұрын

What's with all the hand gestures?

@jamescerone 20 күн бұрын

He’s a Bostonian…

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

I am just excited to have talked about the Blue Line!

@TheDylanJoyce 11 күн бұрын

“The Doors will open on the right side of the Train”

@maxpowr90 22 күн бұрын

If only the Airport stop was actually connected to Logan. Just another failed element of the Big Dig mitigation.

@erik_griswold 20 күн бұрын

Logan needs a PeopleMover

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

I would argue of having a rail link between South Station and the airport which would continue north. And/or also have a ring route that would connect the airport with the Seaport district and South Station.

@erik_griswold 20 күн бұрын

@@maxtransit3526 That should have been done as part of the Teddy but it’s probably too late now.

@DishonestThomasYT 3 күн бұрын

There are shuttles at Airport station that stop at every terminal + rental car center. There is also a walking path directly to the airport from Wood Island.

@dominictherailfan 20 күн бұрын

The blue line repair shop or maintenance shop is like getting swallowed by the habat around, i think...

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

It is, surrounded by a salt marsh.

@Carlyknarly 22 күн бұрын

BLUE LINE BEST LINE

@maxtransit3526 22 күн бұрын

Not going to argue with that!

@TupolevTU144 10 күн бұрын

Shortest? No love for the Ashmont-Mattapan High Speed?

@maxtransit3526 2 сағат бұрын

I suppose shortest subway makes more sense hahaha

@blue9multimediagroup 13 күн бұрын

LAND DOWN UNDER!!! (WTf......!!) 😂

@37llawffej 11 күн бұрын

Fascinating! I love learning about transit. (But you have got to stop moving your hands when you speak. Very distracting.)

@PostalWorker14 17 күн бұрын

I’m guessing they call it the Blue Line because it goes under the harbor

@commercialcritic4676 13 күн бұрын

Sweet!

@heli-crewhgs5285 8 күн бұрын

You’re really lazy! So much effort has gone into the production of this video, and all you have to say is….”SWEET”!!!

@winstonstone 21 күн бұрын

No one in New England pronounces anything ending Shire as shire it's sheer. You don't say New Hamp SHIRE it's sheer. It's not Worcester SHIRE Sause its sheer. Don't get me started o Scolly square either. ;)

@maxtransit3526 20 күн бұрын

Hahaha I realized that mistake when I was editing and decided to leave it in to see who would pick it up. But I thought I was pronouncing Scollay correctly, but wouldn't be surprised if I got that wrong too.

@winstonstone 20 күн бұрын

@@maxtransit3526 Well if you are a Yankee Brahmin sure, but most Bostonians and Boston Accent people say Skully Square. And remember any Rs in a word are replaced with AH, There was another fellow from out state did video on Lexington and Concord the the battles there of. Kept call it Con CORD not Concard. :)

@winstonstone 20 күн бұрын

Oh and thank for telling about The Revere Beach and Lynn!! My dad roade that numerous times in the 1930s to visit family friends who lived in Winthrop.