Officials Celebrate Modernization of Arlington Station

Emphasizing the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to providing accessible transportation service to all persons of the Commonwealth, Transportation Secretary James Aloisi joined the MBTA's General Manager to celebrate the modernization of Arlington Station located on the MBTA’s Green Line. An investment of $22.7m, Arlington Station is now fully accessible and is in compliance with the American Disabilities Act.

“This newly renovated station is a symbol of our commitment to providing top-shelf customer service to every T rider on our network of buses, subways and trolleys,” said Secretary Aloisi. “The MBTA has made significant investments to improve accessibility for all.”

Opened in November 1921, Arlington Station’s first renovation occurred in 1967. In 2006, the MBTA announced renovations to Arlington, Copley, and Kenmore stations to upgrade for accessibility and general station maintenance. Arlington Station is now ADA accessible with 3 brand new elevators, new head-houses and stairways, brand new columns, and new electrical throughout the station. Additional renovations include a new egress at Arlington Street church, and raised platforms to accommodate low floor Green Line vehicles.

Noting that for the first time in its 90-year history, Arlington Station will be accessible to people of all abilities, the MBTA's General Manager applauded the contributions and support from the community that moved the modernization of Arlington forward. “This is a historical event for all of us,” remarked the general manager. “Together we have provided access to our transportation network to all individuals while maintaining the historical landscape of the area. Thank you to the staff of the Arlington Street church, and the community for your support and cooperation.”

“The MBTA provides a critical service to the City of Boston because many of our residents rely on it as their sole method of transportation,” Mayor Menino said. “It is important that public transportation remain a viable option available for every person in our city and the renovations to ensure full accessibility at Arlington Street Station are a great example of the MBTA’s commitment to Boston and all of its people.”

“I appreciate the investment of infrastructure in this part of Boston, particularly given the fact that the accessibility community will now be able to access the historic neighborhood around the Arlington Street station,” said Boston City Council President Michael Ross.

In 1989, to comply with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), the MBTA initiated the Light Rail Accessibility Project to make the transit system accessible to all persons with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that certain key stations be made accessible. The MBTA Key Station Plan, which was approved by the Federal Transit Administration, includes 80 key stations that must be in compliance with ADA guidelines. Today, 77 MBTA key stations are in compliance including Arlington.

“With public transit ridership increasing across the country, providing accessibility for all riders is critically important,” said FTA Deputy Regional Administrator Mary Beth Mello. “We congratulate Secretary Aloisi and the T's General Manager for delivering this project.”

Commenting on equal access for all, Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) Community Organizer, Karen Schneiderman said, “The opening of the accessible new Arlington Street T stop shouldn't be such a big deal but it is. Why? No matter where riders go in the city, no matter where they travel, people with disabilities must have exactly the same right to the same access as everyone else. People can have all sorts of opinions about the use of space, the number of riders, and money, but we all have the right to ride the T. It's that simple.”