MBTA completes accessibility upgrades at West Medford station

The following was submitted by the MBTA:

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s West Medford station has been upgraded with new mini-high platforms.

The work was completed March 10.

To offer stair-free, level boarding, the MBTA is installing freestanding mini-high platforms on top of the existing inaccessible inbound and outbound platforms. This upgrade not only provides much-needed access for riders with disabilities and older adults, it also results in better service for everyone, including those traveling with strollers, luggage, and/or bikes.

These freestanding platforms represent a meaningful improvement to accessibility that can be constructed relatively quickly and affordably while the MBTA continues to pursue a funding strategy for longer-term station upgrades including full high-level platforms.

Last month, Wellesley Square Station became Wellesley's first Commuter Rail stop with accessible platforms thanks to the addition of these freestanding mini-high platforms.  

The MBTA has secured full funding for the design and construction of similar accessibility upgrades at more stations including but not limited to Concord, Wyoming Hill, Endicott, and Lincoln.  

“If we want more people riding public transportation and reduced congestion on our roadways, we have to make sure people can access the T,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “Whether you’re a person with disabilities, a senior or a mother pushing a stroller, these upgrades will make sure you won’t have trouble boarding the train in your community. We’re proud to be supporting General Manager Eng and the MBTA's efforts to make stations more accessible for all of our residents.”

“The Healey Driscoll Administration is focused on building a transportation network which works for residents now and for the future,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “These mini-high platforms are small projects at specific stations; however, they demonstrate our priority to make investments that give all individuals access to the MBTA system. Transportation is an ecosystem. The physical environment at every station needs to serve every individual, regardless of their physical abilities.”

“Public transportation should be accessible to all,” said Sen. Patricia Jehlen, who represents Medford. “I am so grateful for the tireless work of so many local community advocates who helped make this possible, and for the partnership of the MBTA and the Healey-Driscoll Administration. This project has been many years in the making and it’s exciting to see it come to fruition so that our community may benefit from equitable access to public transportation.”

“I join my constituents in applauding the MBTA in partnering with us in working to achieve accessibility at the West Medford Commuter Rail Station,” said Rep. Sean Garballey, who represents West Medford. 

“Accessible and reliable public transportation has been a priority of my administration since day one. We want to ensure that cost-effective, sustainable means of travel are an option for everyone in our community, and these mini-high platforms are a step towards that goal. Thank you to the MBTA for this upgrade and to all the advocates who helped make this happen,” said Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn.

“These accessible mini-high platforms demonstrate how we continue to think outside of the box to deliver meaningful service improvements that serve all including those where access in the past has been a challenge,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “I applaud Governor Healey and her administration for leading the way making transportation a priority including making our system more accessible and affordable. The MBTA is committed to ensuring that we deliver projects that can better meet the needs of our riders today as we build a system that will serve future generations.”

Adding freestanding mini-high platforms to various stations across the Commuter Rail system is a critical part of the MBTA’s larger goal of providing true system-wide accessibility.

For more information on all the ways the MBTA is putting accessibility in motion, visit MBTA.com/accessibility.