It's time to return southbound. This time we're on a commuter train, making local stops.
We will run the same way as the northbound trip, only we remain on the same line rather then going off onto the Wildcat Branch.
After the Wildcat Branch goes off to the right, we enter single-track territory. It is because of this single track that some Haverhill trains use the Wildcat Branch, so that meets between opposing trains are not an issue south of this junction. This line remains single track (with some sidings) almost all of the way into Boston. At Reading, there are two platforms, but only one is usually used. Some weekday short-turn trains originate and terminate here.
Beyond Reading, many of the stations are flag stops. If this trip is busy, our train will most likely make all stops anyhow.
About 20 minutes after Reading, we will pass, on the right, the northern terminus of the Orange Line rapid transit in the Oak Grove section of the city of Malden. The next stop at Malden Center is shared by the rapid transit line and our commuter line. Malden is a regularly scheduled station stop. It is here that we will leave the commuter train and switch to the Orange Line for Parts B9 and B10 of our Fest.
You'll be able to see the rest of the Haverhill Line since it runs adjacent to the rapid transit line.