North Station Concourse Doubles In Size

MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas and Delaware North Companies, Executive Vice President Charles Jacobs officially opened the newly expanded and renovated commuter rail waiting area at North Station.

Upon receiving feedback from commuter rail customers using North Station, Delaware North, owners of the TD Banknorth Garden, and the MBTA joined efforts to address customer concerns. “Partnering with Delaware North on this project has resulted in a complete makeover of North Station that provides thousands of daily Commuter Rail customers with a user-friendly, state-of-the-art, transit hub,” said Grabauskas. “The transformation of the concourse area is a significant milestone for the MBTA as we continue to put the customer’s needs first.”

The North Station concourse area has undergone a seven-month, five million dollar overhaul resulting in 20,000 square feet of additional space. The enhanced area accommodates an oversized customer-waiting area with tables, chairs and benches in a comfortable air-conditioned or heated environment. Additional amenities include: larger restrooms, enhancements to accessibility and pedestrian flow, and a large, overhead electronic board with up-to-the minute schedule and track information. In coming months, customers will have the conveniences of food & beverage vendors, access to an ATM, and other service providers.

“Governor Deval Patrick and Lt. Governor Timothy Murray have placed at the top of their agenda the importance of providing convenient, user-friendly and affordable public transportation,” said Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen. “This project is an investment in the MBTA’s infrastructure, as well as an investment in customers who will benefit from these amenities for years to come.”

Tracks and platforms have been moved back nearly 80 feet to substantially ease the congestion for all arena visitors and the more than 50,000 commuters who pass through the Garden each workday. This five million dollar expansion project, financed entirely by Delaware North Companies – Boston is sure to enhance the TD Banknorth Garden experience to Garden patrons and commuters alike. “Delaware North is proud to open this huge expansion of North Station,“ said Delaware North Companies, Executive Vice President Charles Jacobs. “For the thousands of commuters who pass through North Station and the patrons of the TD Banknorth Garden, this project is a re-investment in our guests experience.”

Each weekday, four Commuter Rail Lines including Fitchburg, Haverhill, Lowell, Newburyport/Rockport travel into and out of North Station carrying approximately 50,000 customers.

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