Union Square (MBTA station)

Union Square (MBTA station) is a light rail station on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line, located in the Union Square neighborhood of Somerville, Massachusetts. It serves as the terminus for the E branch of the Green Line, providing a critical public transit link to Downtown Boston and other parts of the metropolitan area. The station opened in March 2022 as part of the Green Line Extension (GLX) project, which aimed to expand rail service into densely populated areas north of Boston.

History

The station's development was a central component of the Green Line Extension, a major public works project mandated by a settlement agreement with the Conservation Law Foundation to mitigate automobile pollution from the Big Dig. Planning for the extension, which included a branch to Union Square, began in the 1990s but faced significant delays and cost overruns. Construction finally commenced in 2018 under the management of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The station opened for regular service on March 21, 2022, alongside the new Lechmere station, marking the first expansion of the Green Line in over sixty years. Its opening was celebrated by local officials including then-Mayor of Somerville Joseph Curtatone and Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker.

Station layout

Union Square station features a simple, single-track design with one side platform to accommodate the terminating E branch trains. The station is situated in a shallow cut, with the main entrance and headhouse located on Prospect Street near the intersection with Somerville Avenue. Architectural elements include a distinctive canopy structure, glass windscreens, and public art installations commissioned through the MBTA Arts & Design program. The design emphasizes openness and natural light, integrating with the surrounding urban fabric of Union Square.

Accessibility

The station is fully accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Elevators provide access from the street level to the platform, and tactile warning strips run along the platform edge. All fare vending machines and fare gates are designed for wheelchair users, and the station is served by the MBTA's The RIDE paratransit service. The station's design received input from disability advocacy groups, including the Boston Center for Independent Living.

Services and connections

Union Square station is served exclusively by the E branch of the Green Line, with through-service to Copley and Heath Street via the Back Bay and Northeastern University. Headways vary but typically range from 6 to 10 minutes during peak periods. The station functions as a major bus transfer point, with connections to several MBTA bus routes, including the 85, 86, and 91. A dedicated Bluebikes station and bicycle racks are available for multimodal connections.

Nearby points of interest

The station is centrally located within the vibrant Union Square district, known for its dining, arts, and innovation economy. Key nearby destinations include the Union Square Main Streets business district, the Bow Market retail and dining complex, and the Arts at the Armory performance venue. The station also provides access to the Somerville Community Path, a popular recreational trail, and is within walking distance of major employers like the Cambridge Innovation Center and the Greentown Labs incubator. The surrounding area has seen significant residential and commercial development since the station's opening.

Category:MBTA Green Line stations Category:Railway stations in Middlesex County, Massachusetts Category:Buildings and structures in Somerville, Massachusetts Category:Railway stations opened in 2022