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The $2 billion Green Line Extension (GLX) program includes improved transit service, mobility and connectivity for the residents of Cambridge, Somerville and Medford. The extension has already stimulated extensive local development and economic growth. The Green Line Extension project is an addition of 4.3 miles of track, comprised of two new lines on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line.  The extension consists of six brand-new stations and a newly relocated and built Lechmere station.

Alicia Gomes is currently serving as the Chief of Light Rail Operations at the MBTA, managing a culturally diverse workforce of 600+ employees to provide safe, reliable, and efficient service to approximately 240k customers daily.  She started as a Streetcar Motorperson and consistently held positions of progressive responsibility that included Inspector, Chief Inspector, Supervisor, and Superintendent during her career.

Alicia was charged with making sure that the existing system, policies, procedures and staff were prepared to operate the new system and that the two parts interfaced properly. This entailed countless detailed deliverables, including multiple schedules for service and employees as well as planning and implementing hiring and training plans and diversions of service. There were many nights and days of testing, requiring operators and temporary procedures. Transit service like the Green Line runs on rules, which had to be created and adapted for the new infrastructure and operations. New procedures were required for many aspects of the new service and maintenance, including train storage, coordination with the maintenance carhouse, and new work starting locations. Alicia was responsible for signage and supplies, which requires training, planning and hiring. With two major transitions in this program under a public microscope, Alicia was critical to the detailed planning and success.

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