In May 2016, the MassDOT and MBTA boards approved a modified project that had undergone value engineering to reduce its cost. Stations were simplified to resemble D branch surface stations rather than full rapid transit stations, with canopies, faregates, escalators, and some elevators removed. Two bridge replacements were avoided, and two others were reduced in scale by building a new span behind one abutment. The Vehicle Maintenance Facility was reduced by half, with storage for 44 LRVs rather than 88.The southern section of the Community Path was removed – prompting criticism from trail advocates – and the number of street access points was reduced. These changes were projected to reduce total project cost back to the $2.3 billion established in the FFGA.
