The Dorchester Reporter and other news outlets report that the state will receive $100 million federal stimulus project to greatly improve public transportation along Blue Hill Avenue from Mattapan to Dudley Square, including a new connection to South Station via the current Silver Line. Although this is not quite the Indigo Line, it seems to be a step in the right direction. However, there is a debate whether this will actually be rapid transit or a glorified traditional bus route. It is key that the state implement the following in any design of a Silver Line extension: dedicated bus only lanes in the center of Blue Hill Ave. (like the Green Line trolleys), heated enclosed stations, signals timed to give buses the right-of-way, and no required transfers between Mattapan Station and South Station with minimal stops along the route. The people of western Dorchester deserve rapid transit!
