MassDOT Gives Customers a Look Back at MBTA History

The MBTA is hoping to catch the eye and pique the interest of its customers this week by rolling out fun facts on America’s First Subway in an effort dubbed: CuriosiTy.

“Public transit in Boston has a rich history,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. “We try hard to keep our customers up to date with the latest technology like mobile apps, mobile ticketing and our new countdown clocks; this CuriosiTy Campaign is a fun way to remind our customers that we’ve always had this innovative spirit.”

Customers will begin seeing the CuriosiTy car-cards inside subway cars and buses this week. They tell passengers why the red line is red, about the ‘Mavericks’ who built the world’s widest underwater tunnel in 1904, and the thousands and thousands of miles our trains and buses travel each day.

“Our customers are very engaged and knowledgeable about our present services,” said MBTA Acting General Manager Jonathan Davis. “We hope transporting them back in time to the start of service in 1897 and some big milestones in between will brighten their trip.”

All the CuriosiTy facts were researched by Christopher Lynch, a member of the MassDOT Performance Management and Innovation Team.

The CuriosiTy Campaign is part of the T’s 115th Anniversary Year celebration that has included the opening of the Charlie Card Store in Downtown Crossing, the T’s official birthday marked on September 1st and the first appearance of ‘Charlie’ the mascot.

For more fun facts about the MBTA and MassDOT’s history, check out our Timeline and Like Us on Facebook: facebook.com/massdotinfo