Silver Line Extension (SLX) Alternatives Analysis
- Timeline: 2020 – 2023
- Status: Planning
The MBTA is studying the feasibility, benefits, and cost of extending Silver Line service to Everett and the surrounding communities.
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Why Are We Doing This Analysis?
Many residents in the Chelsea and Everett area rely solely on public transportation to get to work, school, and more. However, residents don’t have the same access to fast, reliable transit as other communities. In response, the T launched the 2018 Silver Line extension from South Station to Chelsea, which provides additional transit options for riders in the area.
The MBTA's Focus40 plan recommends that we extend Silver Line service into Everett and beyond to provide more access to job opportunities and resources in the greater Boston area.
Prior studies, including the Lower Mystic Regional Working Group Report and the Everett Transit Action Plan, made similar recommendations for extending Silver Line service in the area. Those studies will help inform the Silver Line Extension Alternatives Analysis.
Learn About the Tier 2 Alternatives
We have identified several potential options for extending Silver Line service from Chelsea into Everett and on to neighboring communities.
The Tier 2 Alternatives are grouped into two categories: those that are considered extensions of the SL3 service, and those that are being evaluated as a new service, referred to as SL6. The SL3 extensions connect Chelsea to the Orange Line while the SL6 Alternatives connect Everett and Chelsea to Kendall or Downtown Boston.
Learn more about these alternatives in our Alternatives Fact Sheet, available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
This project update video provides an overview of the project, a review of the Tier 2 Alternatives and the Tier 2 Evaluation process, the project schedule, and next steps.
We anticipate holding a public meeting in winter 2023 to discuss the results of the evaluation process.
Project Phases
Over three project phases, the analysis will explore potential solutions—along with the benefits and impacts of each—for extending service into the surrounding communities.
Past Events
Contact Information
For all questions and comments related to the SLX Alternatives Analysis, please contact the project team at SLX@mbta.com.
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Related Projects
Better Bus Project
Too many of our bus routes still fail to live up to our own standards. Through the Better Bus Project, we are changing that.
Chelsea Commuter Rail Station
We're building an all-new, fully accessible Commuter Rail station next to the final SL3 stop in Chelsea. It's expected to open in 2021.
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Related Projects
Better Bus Project
Too many of our bus routes still fail to live up to our own standards. Through the Better Bus Project, we are changing that.
Chelsea Commuter Rail Station
We're building an all-new, fully accessible Commuter Rail station next to the final SL3 stop in Chelsea. It's expected to open in 2021.