Apologies if it’s already been said, I’m new here and couldn’t find it, but what are thoughts on the feasibility of transforming the Needham branch into an independent light rail line or shuttle from Needham Heights to Forest Hills? Similar to how the function of the Ashmont-Mattapan Line.
The branch length is about the same as the west surface portion of the GL-D branch and there could be infill stations at Baker St, Millenium Park, Greenfale Ave, and Rt 135. I feel as though this would better serve to connect Needham, WR, and Roslindale to each other and Downtown Boston. Having it be light rail would likely result in faster or similar trip times downtown despite needing to transfer at Forest Hills with the OL improvements and as the current diesel locomotives are kneecapped by the close stop spacing. It could even be renovated as a cross-platform transfer with the OL.
As it’d be a chore and costly for the city to electricity the entire branch (despite it conveniently connected to the NEC), I’d propose CAF Urbos 3 supercapacitor tram technology with overhead pantograph fast charging at the stops along the line. The MBTA already has a standing relationship with CAF and could likely strike a decent deal on this. On top of all that there’s enough space for a maintenance yard and charging facilities in the former Wye (I think) at Needham Junction.
Ideally this would extend north from Needham Heights to reconnect with the D branch between Eliot and Newton Highlands but I doubt anyone would want the greenway removed to allow that to happen.