Brattle Loop
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- Apr 28, 2020
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So any proposal of make SL1 surface-running while still coming close to the existing stations will likely make it no longer "real BRT" that the Transitway currently is, or in other words, another SL4/5.
I for one don't particularly care about whether it meets any particular standard of "BRT"-ness. If it can run better outside the Transitway rather than in it, that's an improvement. (I'm not taking the position that it necessarily would.)
I do think the link between WTC and Logan needs to be preserved, and I do frequently see people from the airport alighting at the surface WTC stop, even though that number is small.
Makes me wonder if a Summer Street stop is close enough to the WTC to suffice, or if proximity to the BCEC would be enough of a replacement draw. That'd presumably need to be studied.
Depending on implementation, it opens all kinds of potentials here - a centralized Airport Terminals station instead of a stop at each terminal, connecting to BL Airport station and forming UR northeastern quad, an alternative route for commuter rail that offers direct service to Logan and Seaport...
I suppose a central terminal station could work if it was in or under the central parking garage, though Logan's quirky terminal layout unfortunately means there'd likely be some annoyingly-long walks involved. I might do it with two stops, one at the corner where A and B meet and one where C and E meet at what used to be Terminal D, but there'd be a variety of options to choose from to see what fits best. A Blue Line transfer's a no-brainer, it'd help relieve some of the transfer loads downtown from anyone going to the Seaport or anywhere in that direction.
The Commuter Rail idea has been floated around here before. There are arguments both ways on that, and I don't see any need to get back into that argument. I do stand by my position from that discussion that I don't think it'd be the best use of a new harbor crossing compared to RT.