Real people, real transit: a look at outstanding transit projects in greater Boston.

In 1991, CLF negotiated binding commitments to public transportation enhancement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as part of a settlement to avoid a Clean Air Act lawsuit against the Bog Dig. Since then, CLF has filed suit twice to move forward the many projects that remain incomplete. In a suit now pending, CLF is contesting the MBTA's and the Commonwealth's failure to meet the Big Dig commitments.

Green Line Extension

The Commonwealth's most recent transit plan calls for $559 million to construct a two-branch extension of the Green Line, a Big Dig commitment, with light-rail service to Union Square and West Medford. Introducing rail service to these densely populated communities would ease the commutes of thousands of residents. However, the Commonwealth has proposed a delayed schedule, with completion of the project not required until 2014.

Magdalena Aragon, Union Square resident (Somerville), Student

"To get downtown, I usually take the bus to Lechmere and transfer to the Green Line or I take a bus to Central Square in Cambridge to get on the Red Line. Buses sit in traffic when the roads are crowded, and having to wait for both a bus and train makes for a long commute. I would use the Green Line extension, and it would be popular since it'd be cheaper, faster and more convenient."

Arborway Restoration

In 1985, the MBTA "temporarily" replaced streetcar service past Heath Street on the Green Line E-branch in Jamaica Plain with bus service, which continues today. Restoring light-rail service would provide one-seat rides to downtown and improved transfers to the subway system for Jamaica Plain residents. Though a Big Dig commitment, the Commonwealth now wants to drop this project.

David White, Jamaica Plain resident, Retiree

"I've lived in Jamaica Plain for two decades. Without streetcars, we have many more people driving and clogging the roads. The traffic congestion means more air pollution, longer commutes and difficulty parking for residents and shoppers."

Fairmount/Indigo Line

The most under-utilized train in the MBTA commuter rail system, the Fairmount/Indigo Line train passes through Mattapan, Dorchester and Roxbury, making only limited stops on its way to South Station. Adding five new station stops to the Fairmount/Indigo Line would provide residents with faster, more reliable transportation downtown. The MBTA is making repairs on existing infrastructure and the State has proposed to construct four new stations, but funds for...