MBTA – Page 25 – chelsea's corner

Mansfield (MBTA)

Ooh, Mansfield! It’s oftentimes said that getting a video of the Acela here is a rite of passage for essentially New England-based railfan. Besides, have you really lived until you’ve seen the Acela at 150mph?

The station as I was crossing to the other side

There’s the train from up Chauncy Street

The station building at North Common. It was closed, though.

So getting off the station, one can immediately see where most of the parking is. It’s a large field of parking essentially, and it was full to the brim. There’s even a grass lot that, from what I’ve heard, some people get creative with and use as a makeshift parking lot. However, I didn’t notice. But parking here is $4 a day. If you’re driving here, be mindful where you park since the lots along Mansfield Ave. and Winthrop Ave. require a residence permit. The station building itself looks nice, however it’s only open during the morning rush. This also happens to be where all the station amenities are. At minimum, it’d be nice if it were open all day, even if just for ticket sales, as it looks to be a nice area to wait during inclement weather.

The platforms are also quite nice, being brand spankin’ new. However….it’s only low-level, with a mini-high for accessibility. For a station that was largely rebuilt during the last 4 years, that’s all they could’ve done? I mean for crying out loud, Kingston (RI) had a rebuild in 2016-2017, AND they were able to add a third track for futureproofing for a potential MBTA or Shore Line East extension, all while also installing full-length high platforms. But here? All you get is a stinkin’ mini-high.

Looking down the platform towards Attleboro

Now, enough of me ranting. The mini-highs, while they feel a little jank, are nice. They’re all also on the Providence/Wickford end of the track. Meanwhile, you have relatively modern station signage, between the LCD signs that say “Welcome to Mansfield” and the train approaching warning, and the new MBTA countdown signs, which I think are in more recently renovated stations. I’m not sure on that, but I’ve mainly seen them here, in Sharon, Porter Square, Readville, and Back Bay. Not so much in Wickford or T.F. Green. Hell, I don’t even think Attleboro has them. At least you have a decent amount of benches and a wastebin on either side.

A closeup of the northbound mini-high. What does the yellow sign mean, anyways?

So, as I said earlier, to cross over you have to walk the sidewalk along Chauncy Street. This, normally, isn’t bad. However, there’s also the fact that the sidewalk isn’t very wide, and it can be a bit annoying in the height department if you’re tall like I am. But if you’re driving here, just remember to park on the correct side of the road, as there’s payment machines on both sides of the tracks.

Remember how I mentioned it’s a rite of passage for railfans to film here? That’s because the Acela goes 150 miles an hour here. Yup. One of the few spots where it can go max speed. Kingston is another popular spot, and I think it gets close at T.F. Green and Wickford (don’t quote me though).

You’ll also see a number of Regionals here, usually at max speed. Unfortunately though, you probably won’t see an express MBTA train, as their express sections typically end at Sharon.

The MBTA should invest in a couple of ACS64s for the Providence Line.

The good: It’s a decent park & ride station! Sure, parking isn’t free like at Wickford, but this is actually somewhere where people are willing to pay to park. And besides, it’s up there in the busiest stations outside Boston proper. #3 to be precise (for daily boardings), if we exclude fare zone 1A. #s 1 and 2 are Salem and Providence, respectively.

The bad: Two major complaints. 1, why is there no GATRA? I mean, yeah the 14o technically serves the station, but as far as I can find it’s like the 140 only existed on a map and not in practice. GATRA website? Nope, no schedule despite being on the system map. Google? Nope. So, why does GATRA advertise a route that doesn’t exist? Hell, why is there a bus stop sign if no buses even use the damn thing?! What kind of drugs is GATRA on, for crying out loud?! You want a bus that serves Mansfield Station, how about…you know what, never mind. It’s GATRA we’re talking and they probably can’t do jack shit right. Oh yeah, when I went to the 140’s page for this review, it 404’d on me. Gee, thanks GATRA. Forget I ranted completely about the 140. While I still stand that the 140 shouldn’t be on the official system map on the schedules page (it 404s), there IS, however, GATRA GO. GATRA GO is basically Flex, but with the added benefit of being on-demand. Complaint #2, ~~and this is waaaay less serious than the GATRA complaint (which, tbf, is on GATRA more than it is on the town of Mansfield or the T~~), is that the station building should be open in a minimal manner after the morning rush. Maybe just have a ticket person at the ticket desk? Or, for those who reverse commute, reopen the cafe in the evening rush?

Nearby points of interest: If you’re willing to walk a little, you have the town of Mansfield!

Transit connections:
Commuter Rail (Providence)
GATRA (GATRA GO)

Overall, it’s not a terrible station. It’s quite nice, actually. ~~However, I have to give it a major strike for GATRA being on drugs with regards to what would be the only bus connection~~ (once again, forget I ranted about GATRA, as I found out GATRA GO exists and is on-demand). It’s also a bummer that the station building is only open in the morning rush, but it’d be better if it were open (even if minimally) all day. It’s also nice how they rebuilt the otherwise decrepit station, though it still peeves me that it only has a mini-high platform.

Rating: 7.5/10
Original rating: 7/10

Fairmount Line (MBTA)

Alright, so we’ve done the longest Commuter Rail route. Now, let’s do the shortest. All aboard the next Fairmount train!

Yeah, for some reason the line ends at Readville instead of Fairmount. A bit of a weird choice but whatever. I got on the train and we were off to the races. Time to South Station from here is expected to take 30 minutes. First stop, Fairmount.

A few people got on at Fairmount, however we were largely off to the races again afterwards. The train started moving forward again.

Up next? Blue Hill Avenue. A lot of people got on here, mostly school-aged children. As such, because they’re a bunch of teenagers who are likely too stupid to know how to keep their voices down, things got very loud on the train. Moving further down the tracks, we reached the next stop.

A LOT of people got on at Morton Street. Like, it got worse. Nevertheless, from here, it was a straight shot to the next stop where not many people got on or off. Ah well.

Up next was Talbot Avenue, and a few people got off here thankfully. However, it wasn’t enough for a quiet train. We pressed on further through the tracks, and arrived at the next station shortly after.

Geneva! Well, it’s not Geneva, Switzerland, unfortunately. But whatever. A lot of people got off here, and from here we eventually passed a community center with …McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc’s name attached to it at Upham’s Corner????? Yeah, I don’t know on that one. Fortunately from here, it was just Newmarket and a straight shot to South Station. Eventually, we did make it to South Station.

The good: It bisects low-income neighborhoods, giving the people another opportunity to commute into downtown! It’s also relatively very frequent, at 45 minute headways.

The bad: WHY IS THIS EVEN A COMMUTER RAIL LINE INSTEAD OF A NEW SUBWAY LINE ENTIRELY, OR AN ORANGE LINE BRANCH?! At this point, the MBTA may as well convert into a new line. I dunno, color it indigo as a nod to the fact it’s a Commuter Rail line? Apparently, people ride this route, though not many, with around 2600 daily passengers as of 2018.

Nearby points of interest: Readville, if you’re into railfanning! Also, Mattapan, Hyde Park, and Dorchester are along the line.

Overall, it’s not a terrible route, but it feels like it’s a regional train line trying to also be rapid transit, and in a way feels like it’s failing at both. Just put the Fairmount Line out of its misery and turn it into a subway line, PLEASE.

Rating: 7/10

SL2 (Drydock Ave.)

Alright, my first rapid transit route review! …except, I use “rapid transit” loosely, since the Silver Line isn’t the BRT system that the MBTA makes it out to be. Nevertheless, if I’m trying to 100% the T, I have to ride the Silver Line routes.

So the route begins in the tunnels under South Station. Because the Silver Line is technically BRT, this section is in its own right of way along with catenary wires. Because the stop is in fare control, we didn’t have to pay and could board at any door. Soon enough, off to the ra- WOAH CRAP IT’S SO BUMPY IT’S NAUSEATING! Yeah…..the BRT busway is really, really terrible in quality. It made my friend nauseated, for crying out loud!

First up is Courthouse. This stop is located near the Moakley Federal Courthouse, as the name suggests. A few people got on but not many people got off here. Anyways, moving on.

Up next: World Trade Center! Nope, this isn’t New York! This stop corresponds to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center near the waterfront. Again, not many people got on or off here. Moving on further and HOLY CRAP I SEE LIGHT!

Up next: Silver Line Way! Now, this stop is actually special for two reasons. First, it’s where short-turn SLW runs end. Second, it’s where the catenary-diesel handoff happens. Usually it takes about a minute at most, however if it goes wrong, it goes really wrong. Fortunately that didn’t happen. From here, we were in mixed traffic. We turned onto Haul Ave. and Northern Avenue. From here, we went left onto Drydock Ave., and looped around Drydock and Black Falcon Ave. From here, the route went back to South Station, as it runs in a loop.

The good: It serves the Seaport! It’s also a (mostly) rapid link between the Seaport and downtown Boston, with service to the Boston Exhibition Center and the Design Center.

The bad: THIS IS NOT BRT!!!! GOD DAMMIT MBTA, STOP CALLING IT BRT WHEN IT DOESN’T ADHERE TO BRT STANDARDS! Not even RIPTA is that bad with the R Line, because at least with that they MAKE it a point to not advertise it as BRT. And, it’s with this bad choice of labelling, that I have to give the SL2 not a great rating.

Nearby points of interest: Downtown Boston and the Seaport, really. Not much else.

Overall, STOP CALLING IT BRT!!! Ugh. Also, smoothen the busway going under the harbor. If you want BRT, at least give it dedicated bus lanes.

Rating: 4/10

Various SL2 street stops (MBTA)

Alright, guess I’ve resorted to reviewing literal street signs. Yikes. Where are they? Let’s see:
– Northern Ave. at Harbor St.
– Northern Ave. at Tide St.
– 23 Drydock Ave.
– 27 Drydock Ave.
– Drydock Ave. at Black Falcon Ave.
– Drydock Ave. at Design Center

Six bus shelters and street signs. But, since they’re part of the Silver Line, they count.

Drydock at Design Center. Yeah, I missed the Black Falcon sign when photographing all of them

They’re all literal street signs or bus shelters. I don’t have anything to say about these.

The good: The SL2 stops at all these, for what it’s worth

The bad: There’s nothing to say. It’s literally just a generic sign/shelter.

Nearby points of interest: Design Center and the seaport area.

Transit connections:
Silver Line (SL2)
MBTA bus (4)

Yeah, I got nothing to add. 1/10 rating for all these.

Porter Square (Red Line)

Looks like I’m in Cambridge today. Let’s see…Harvard? Nah. Davis Square? Too out of the way. Kendall/MIT? Not really attempting to railfan the Grand Junction. Ooh, Porter Square!

So, I got off here at the Alewife platform on the Red Line. First, the place feels like a bunker. I’m not even kidding. Just take a look.

As I was getting ready to walk up to the other Red Line platform (and the exit), I heard something. What’s that? Oh….oh god, it’s water. Oh no.

After the obligatory sarcastic “that looks safe” comment, we trekked up to the other platform and, eventually, the thing this station is notorious for (aside from the leaking water). Once we made it to the exit staircase, we looked up. Dear god, is this the longest staircase in all of New England? Turns out, it probably is. Specifically, 105ft deep with 199 steps. Most people, if they’re not there for a workout, just use the escalator. At the top is where fare control, along with Commuter Rail access and CharlieCard/CharlieTicket machines can be found. These machines are also where you buy your Commuter Rail tickets, so do so here to avoid a $3 surcharge. Apparently there’s also bathrooms up here, but I didn’t see them.

The Commuter Rail platform is kinda dingy. Not as bad as Back Bay’s Worcester platform, but still bad. Enough so to where water was dripping from the ceiling. Some spots also had the yellow safety strip peeling off from the ground. Yikes. At least it has modern countdown signs found at several stations (like Back Bay and Mansfield), so there’s that.

The good: It serves Cambridge! Hell, if you’re into winter mountain activities like snowboarding or skiing, pack your bags and come down to Porter for the next train to Wachusett! It’s also a convenient transfer point for the Red Line, meaning in a way, this is the Fitchburg Line’s counterpart to Back Bay. Hell, there’s also been instances to where the Red Line was used in lieu of service to North Station, usually if the station was closed. It’s also in the heart of Porter Square, with all sorts of businesses nearby, including the only (to my awareness) MBTA-licensed gift shop.

The bad: It’s quite dingy! I mean, I wouldn’t expect much from a station that’s 105ft underground, but the fact there’s water dripping everywhere is a little concerning when there’s a 3rd rail in play on the Red Line. The Commuter Rail platform is also quite dingy (still not as bad as Back Bay), and the yellow tactile line was falling apart a bit, but at least it’s accessible. Also, evacuating in the event that one is necessary is, by the looks of it, quite a logistical nightmare.

Nearby points of interest: Porter Square and its shops! There’s a lot to be seen around here. There’s also connections to the Red Line and towards Fitchburg and Wachusett Mountain.

Connections: MBTA subway (Red Line), Commuter Rail (Fitchburg Line), bus (77, 83, 96)

Overall, it’s an interesting station. Certainly an outlier, to say the least, especially where depth is concerned. It’s certainly not too terribly bad, given that 1468 people board the Fitchburg Line here daily (as of 2018), and 8094 Red Line passengers daily as of 2019, but I’ve seen better. The dripping water, though, is a bit of a concern with the 3rd rail. It’s also nice that one can make a Commuter Rail connection here as well, along with a few bus routes on the street. Fun fact, the (now discontinued) trackless trolleybuses used to run by here! Look up when you’re at street level, and you’ll see catenaries.

Rating: 6.5/10

32 (Wolcott Sq./Cleary Sq.-Forest Hills)

Alright, my first MBTA bus review! Let’s get into this route. So, what is it that I’m working with? I’ll be working with the 32 today.

A few CNG Xcelsiors laying over at Forest Hills Station

So, once my friend and I got on the bus, it was off to the races. The route is largely straightforward, being a clean shot down Hyde Park Ave. to Wolcott Square, Readville. The neighborhoods the route went through, or at least the sections of which, were largely residential in nature. Many businesses lined Washington St. in the Jamaica Plains section of the route. However, once we entered Roslindale, it was a different story with it being largely residential. I wouldn’t even describe the neighborhood as bad, or Olneyville-level, by any stretch of the imagination. At least, not at face value. I’m not a native Bostonian, so I’m very much unaware as to where to and to not go (beyond the very obvious).

As we went down Hyde Park Ave., it was sorta urban in nature with the buildings. Like, it’s not very urban, but I’d describe it in nature similar to North Main Street in Providence. It was largely the same things. At one point, we passed by Hyde Park’s Commuter Rail station, where Stoughton-bound trains stop, along with Franklin and Foxboro trains. Eventually, though, after going under a stone arch bridge, we made it to Wolcott Square and Readville Station.

Some businesses! I wonder if that pizzeria is worth trying out some time.

The bus leaving us as we were walking to Readville Station

The good: It’s a direct link between Wolcott Square, Readville Station, and the Orange Line via Forest Hills, going through Roslindale, Hyde Park, and the Forest Hills section of Jamaica Plain. It also gets some decent enough ridership, as far as I can tell, between my own trip being decently full. If Miles’ (of Miles in Transit) post on this route is to go by, this route happens to get slightly higher ridership than the R Line (in excess of 11000!) If anyone can double check this with the Blue Book (I can’t decipher it to save my life as I’m an idiot), please let me know.

The bad: Given the frequency, I’d imagine bunching up is bad with traffic. I mean, this route has R Line levels of frequency, being 10 minute headways. Which sounds nice until you realize it’s in mixed traffic.

Nearby points of interest: The Arbortorium at Forest Hills! There’s also Hyde Park and Readville Stations if you’re into railfanning. Also, the Orange Line’s southern terminus is at Forest Hills.

Overall, it’s not a bad route. It’s a clean shot from Forest Hills to Wolcott and Readville Station via Hyde Park Avenue. Could it be a little better in the frequency (i.e. being slightly less frequent to avoid bunching) department? Probably. But, it’s buses we’re talking. High frequency, higher than the R Line, is inevitably going to lead to bunching. It’s still not a bad route though.

Rating: 7.5/10

Forest Hills (Orange Line)

Ah, the southern terminus of the Orange Line, at the heart of Jamaica Plain. Oh, there’s also a Commuter Rail platform here, sweet! Let’s look at this station a little further.

Wow, now we’re REALLY in the past! Oh look, Helvetica Bold in the background!

So, the Orange Line platform is your standard Southwest Corridor affair. It’s primarily enclosed with concrete, though, unlike most of the other Southwest Corridor subway stops. It does tell you which platform the next inbound train is departing on, though, which is nice. Despite this, it still screams ’80s MBTA.

The station lobby itself is pretty nice. There’s an information booth at the center of the station, and the ceiling and roof is all glass, which lets in a lot of sunlight. Access to the Commuter Rail platform can also be had here.

Oh boy. Why did it feel like Back Bay again? Fortunately, because most trains express through here with only Needham line trains stopping (UPDATE 9/24/22: the MBTA has changed the schedule so that Franklin trains and a midday Providence train stop here), diesel fumes aren’t an issue unlike in Back Bay. The platform itself, however, was quite bare, aside from the odd cute railfan girl.

The headhouse from the Commuter Rail platform

There’s two busways here, too. They’re either on the western or eastern side of the station, with a number of bus routes leaving here, such as the 32 to Wolcott and Readville. It felt a little dingy, but it wasn’t too unbearable as it was all outdoor otherwise.

The good: It gives the locals an intermodal transit center! The Orange Line to Downtown Crossing is about 20 minutes (once you’re on the train). The station is also in fare zone 1A, meaning that Commuter Rail fares are the same as the subway heading into South Station and Back Bay. Heading outbound, the rail line ends at Needham, although it costs $7 rather than $2.40.

The bad: Not much. It’s a little dingy, and the Orange Line platform is definitely showing its age, but aside from that I don’t have many complaints. The tunnel with the Needham line would be problematic if all trains stopped here, but fortunately that isn’t the case. Also, what’s with the last Providence train stopping here?

Nearby points of interest: Forest Hills, the neighborhood! There’s also the Arbortorium nearby, along with the Franklin Park Zoo. Maybe a cute sapphic couple.

Transit connections:
Commuter Rail (Needham, limited Franklin, Foxboro, Providence)
Orange Line
MBTA bus (16, 21, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 34E, 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40, 42, 50, 51)

Overall, it’s a nice station. Sure, the platform is dingy, and there’s not much in extra amenities, but you don’t always need that when you have local businesses nearby. The building itself is quite nice, and there’s several things to do nearby.

Rating: 7/10

Quincy Center (Red Line)

Welcome to Quincy! Since I’m here reviewing MBTA stations, that means I have to go out to Quincy as well. Fortunately, Quincy Center has things to do unlike the next two stations down the line (Quincy Adams & Braintree). Now, let’s get into this.

For one, the poles at the Red Line platform is shiny. And, it’s a weird mix of being sorta underground but not really. Sometimes it can smell funky down here as well. But come on, we’re not here for just the Red Line platform. Up the stairs outside of fare control, we go!

Fare control and the CharlieCard machines

The lobby at Quincy Center is small but simple. You have CharlieCard machines, fare control going to the Red Line platforms, and bus schedules. There’s also an associate here if anyone needs assistance. There’s also a sandwich shop outside the station, along with a busway. The roofing used to be a parking lot, but it’s since been closed a long time ago.

The busway, served by various bus routes

After a quick trip to a nearby convenience store, I returned to the station and headed to the Commuter Rail platform. This…..has got to be among the most “out of the way” Commuter Rail platforms I’ve ever seen. To even get there, you have to go to the back of the station and go down a corridor. At least it’s open, unlike Back Bay.

The Commuter Rail concourse and some art!

The Commuter Rail platform is mostly dark, but at least there was seating in the open area. Plus, at least the train engines stop in the open area, unlike in Back Bay. This means, fortunately, diesel fumes aren’t a major issue! YAY! So, what trains DO stop here? Well, how about the Old Colony and Greenbush lines? I’ll also ask, why is it just a single track? Like, this feel kinda hackjobbed in at the last minute, if anything. How many people use this place, anyways? Oh, 773 as of 2018, and 7120 on the Red Line as of 2019. Nice.

The other side, towards a parking garage. Not Quincy Adams, though.

The good: It’s an important link and largely straightforward (save for the Commuter Rail platform) intermodal hub! How about, a bus-subway, subway-CR, or bus-CR transfer? It’s also close to a few tourist attractions, like the Adams statue, the Adams house, and the church where they’re buried.

The bad: …why would you take the Commuter Rail from here to downtown, when the Red Line also stops here? One’s $2.40 and lets you use day/monthly CharlieCard passes, while the Commuter Rail is $6.50 (zone 1 fare) to fare zone 1A. Also, it can feel a little creepy and dingy at times. Still not as bad as Back Bay, though!

Nearby points of interest: Quincy Center! Plus, the places accessible by the various bus routes, the Red Line, the Kingston, Middleborough, and Greenbush Commuter Rail lines!

Transit connections:
Commuter Rail (Greenbush, Kingston, Middleborough)
Red Line (Braintree)
MBTA bus (210, 211, 215, 216, 217, 220, 222, 225, 230, 236, 238, 245)

Overall, it’s certainly not the worst. Questionable decisions can be made here, but maybe that’s fitting for Quincy, given that sometimes there’s some interesting people around. But, c’mon man, just use the Red Line or the bus to get into downtown from here instead.

Rating: 6.5/10

Readville (MBTA)

Readville Station. I’ve seen some interesting things about it, but what mostly got my eyes was the relatively unusual track configuration. What does this Commuter Rail station have in store? Let’s find out.

The many bridges and ramps linking the platforms

My friend and I took the 32 from Forest Hills to Wolcott Square, which was right outside the station. From here, it was quite evident that Readville was a wide open train station with four platforms. From west to east, they are the Franklin/Foxboro platform, the unused Providence/Stoughton platforms, and the Fairmount platform at the flyover track. In terms of amenities, it’s pretty barebones, but given the sizable parking lot they probably intend on this being a park & ride station. While there’s no bathrooms here, there are some businesses nearby, including a Dunkin’, which may or may not let you use the bathroom.

Now, for accessibility. The low platforms, at first glance, may scream “I AM NOT AN ACCESSIBLE STATION!!!”, and that’s technically true. However, unlike Westerly, there’s two major differences:
1. there’s ramps and bridges that aren’t in as bad shape as South Attleboro (because they used concrete instead of all metal) and
2. there’s a mini-high at each platform!

Now that I think of it, it feels kinda like a time capsule. Like, how long has it been since the Providence/Stoughton Line ended at Attleboro? Has to be before I was born, if anything (for context, I was born in ’01).

Now, most stations are straightforward and usually safe with getting to the platforms. However, the Franklin Line platform is a bit sketchy. Take a look.

Why they couldn’t put everything on the other side, is beyond me. But, whatever. At least it’s better than Back Bay’s ventilation issue. At least for railfanning, it’s also a pretty good spot. There’s the Acela and Regional for one. This station’s also the terminus of the Fairmount line and pretty much every Franklin/Foxboro train stops here, too. Providence/Stoughton trains also express through here unless a train evacuation is necessary for any reason (e.g. mechanical failiure)

The Fairmount train pictured earlier, laying over

Looking up the Northeast Corridor mainline

Train from Providence passing through, in reverse!

The good: It’s a nice little train station. It serves as a decent park and ride lot as well, with access to two train lines (Franklin and Fairmount), and a third (Providence) and Amtrak service expressing through here. It’s also a good railfanning spot.

The bad: It’s a bit of a maze, and can be a “screw you” station at times, especially if you’re unfamiliar. Also, the fact it’s only mini-highs instead of full highs. Also, what’s with the Franklin Line crossing?

Nearby points of interest: Not much. I mean, there’s a pizzeria nearby, along with the Fairmount layover yard (don’t trespass!).

Transit connections:
Commuter Rail (Franklin, Foxboro, Fairmount)
MBTA bus (32, 33)

Overall, for what it is, I’ve certainly seen worse. It’s not bad, but not too good either. Average, if anything. It’s still better than South Attleboro and the sorry state that station is in currently, though. Also, the arch bridge the Fairmount line goes over is kinda nice. There’s also a decent amount of parking, should anyone want to use it as a park and ride. 426 people use this station each day on average, as of 2018, which while it’s nothing to laugh at, is nowhere near the ridership numbers for stops like Forge Park or Norwood. For Fairmount trains, though, it’s among the most used stops outside of downtown.

Rating: 6/10

Back Bay (MBTA/Amtrak)

Oh lordy, I don’t even know where to start with this. For one, it’s my first non-RI post (proper, not the half-assed River Works post that I did without visiting!). Actually, the next five or so posts I do will all be from my trip to Boston (5/26/22), so strap in!

Now, I can’t say much about the exterior as I wasn’t outside, however it’s definitely on the more “upscale” side, to fit with the rest of Back Bay. The station lobby matched. The train platforms, however….. Oh boy. So, getting off the train from T.F. Green Airport, it immediately hit me as to why this station has a bad reputation. The diesel fumes could be smelled all over the platform, and it was bad enough to where one would need a military-grade gas mask if they had breathing issues. I genuinely wish I was exaggerating, but I’m not. So, booking it up the stairs so as to not inhale too many diesel fumes (which I completely disregarded later). I’ll also add as a tidbit, my friend could even smell the fumes in the mid-section of an Acela car at rush hour.

Fortunately, the lobby is much different. After going up a dingy staircase, the air was considerably cleaner. At least one could buy MBTA tickets here, along with Amtrak tickets due to a Quik-Trak machine being present. ~~However, because of the aforementioned air quality issue, Amtrak doesn’t staff the station. As such, it also happens it’s the most used Amtrak station that’s unstaffed, to my awareness.~~ (EDIT: I was wrong. Amtrak staffs the station now.) It’s also up here that the bathrooms can be found. Just remember to flush the toilet, or you might be stabbed numerous times. The building itself feels a lot more “open” than down below, to say the least. There’s also a Dunkin’ (two!) and a CharlieCard vending machine here, as well as fare control for the Orange Line. Further back, by the Dunkin’ is where the stairs to tracks 5 and 7 are. This is where the Worcester-bound trains, being the Framingham/Worcester lines and the Lake Shore Limited all board.

The other area of the main lobby, by the CharlieCard machines

The underpass to Copley Place! Kinda easy to miss if you’re not actively looking for it.

And now, to address the elephant in the room: the island platform for tracks 5 and 7. Oh boy. Let’s just say this is easily the worst part of the station (as if the platforms for tracks 1-3 are bad enough!). So, one end we have a pair of tracks that don’t even run with the rest of the Southwest Corridor but rather run with the Mass Pike. On the other…..just take a look.

Oh dear god please no, NOT A TUNNEL WITH DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES!!!

Yup. There’s a long tunnel, I don’t know how long but it’s long enough to reach all the way past Hynes Convention Center at least. Is Lansdowne like this? I hope not, but I’ll find out when I review that station. It’s also very dark to where it feels like the lighting doesn’t do much, despite being bright. Like, could they have chosen any color other than black? Overall, while the smell of diesel fumes permeated through everything, the worst was yet to come. I notice the countdown clock, and oh god. There was a train scheduled to come in any minute now from Worcester.

QUIZ TIME!!!!!!

What did my friend and I decide to do, knowing there was an inbound train coming in?
A: Get the hell out, not wanting black lung
B: Film the train, knowing one/both of us could pass out from the diesel fumes being too much
C: Nothing.

If you chose option B, you win ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!

So, we sat there and filmed the train (of course, it was an HSP engine), and I started feeling dizzy and we were like “yeah, let’s get outta here.” From there, we got up, exited via the stairs we came down on, and got our day passed on our CharlieCards. From here, we went to the Orange Line platform. Now, there was a train ready to depart so I couldn’t get a good look at it, but it was hella better than the Commuter Rail platforms!

The good: It serves a major link between Boston and points south, as well as serving to the closest thing to the southern end of a North/South link, due to the Orange Line serving both here and BON (North Station). It’s also nice that Back Bay is relatively very walkable in nature.

The bad: However…..the fact that they tell people with breathing issues not to use this station, is problem enough. It was bad enough that I, someone WITHOUT known breathing issues, almost fainted from a lone HSP46 locomotive pulling in from Worcester. This enough is a major strike against an otherwise perfect station. If the MBTA electrified their Commuter Rail lines (or at least, used dual-mode locomotives that switch to diesel outside here), then the pollution wouldn’t be as big an issue. But, until then, don’t come here if you have respiratory issues.

Nearby points of interest: Back Bay, the neighborhood! You have Hynes, which hosts conventions like Anime Boston. Copley Place and the Prudential Center are also nearby, if you’re rich enough to afford anything from either. There’s also the Orange Line to points north and south from here, too.

Transit connections:
Amtrak (Northeast Regional, Acela, Lake Shore Limited)
Commuter Rail (Franklin, Foxboro, Needham, Providence, Stoughton, Worcester)
Orange Line
MBTA bus (10, 39)
Logan Express
Green Line (at Copley and Prudential)

Overall, if you forget the Commuter Rail platforms exist, Back Bay would quite truthfully be a 9 or 10. However, the fact that the air quality is bad enough to where Amtrak removed staff from here for health reasons is a big yikes. Yes, it’s improved, but the train platforms are in serious need of ventilation. And until either that happens or the Lake Shore Limited and the Commuter Rail get dual-mode locomotives, I can’t put this station too high up. The Orange Line platforms are leagues better, though. And yet, despite the major health risk, it still has over 15600 Orange Line passengers as of 2019, 8100 Commuter Rail passengers (being #3!), and just under 2000 Amtrak passengers a day in 2019.

Rating: 5/10