MBTA Completes Accessibility Upgrades at West Medford, Franklin, and Walpole Stations

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s West Medford, Franklin, and Walpole Stations will be upgraded with new mini-high platforms by the end of the month. West Medford Station will be complete on March 10, Franklin Station March 17, and Walpole Station March 31.

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 Governor 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 Senator Patricia Jehlen. “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."

“Sustained investment in out public transportation infrastructure creates real, tangible quality of life improvements that make Massachusetts such a great state to live and work in. I am grateful to the MBTA and the Healey-Driscoll administration for making these investments in the Towns of Walpole and Dedham in my district, demonstrating that strong investments can be made not only in Boston, but the entire commonwealth,” said Senator Mike Rush.

"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 State Representative Sean Garballey.

“I’m thrilled to see these platforms installed so that everyone can take advantage of the Commuter Rail at Walpole Station regardless of their mobility needs,” said State Representative Edward Philips.

“I applaud the MBTA for their hard work and dedication to this much needed project,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy. “I also would like to thank the Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities for bringing this issue to my attention. Along with the MBTA, we collaborated to address an issue that had been a problem in the community for decades.”

“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 Medford’s 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.