It's a big score for the MBTA as they snag $67.6 million in federal funds aimed at making over a dozen Green Line stations more accessible. This cash infusion is part of a $343 million pot earmarked for accessibility renovations nationwide, the Federal Transit Administration announced on Tuesday.
The generous grant awarded to the T specifically targets the B and C Branches of the Green Line, where stations like Chestnut Hill and Packard’s Corner will see upgrades to make them accessible to disabled riders. The initiative is a nod to progress and a concession to the reality that the road to full accessibility is long, as per the FTA.
According to an announcement highlighted by NBC Boston, the stations deemed for improvements include South Street, Sutherland Road, and a host of others that, up till now, have not been fully open to all. This push for inclusivity is fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds, pouring through the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP).
FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool was quoted in a WHDH report, asserting the importance of this financial boost: “Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, great strides have been made in improving accessibility, but there is still a lot of work to accomplish.” Vanterpool noted the ASAP program's role in tackling improvements that have been long overdue.
This federal funding is more than just an investment in infrastructure—it’s a commitment to equity and mobility for Bostonians who have faced barriers to public transportation. With these improvements, the promise of the Green Line as a connector of communities takes a step closer towards reality for everyone.
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