New Stations
The existing station spacing on the Fairmount Branch does not take advantage of the high residential and commercial densities along the line. New stations along the Indigo Line will serve both an existing need currently going unmet and spur new economic development around the stations.The highest priority should be the reopening of the old Mount Bowdoin Station at Washington Street, in the vicinity of the Four Corners neighborhood. The need for a station at this location has recently become more pressing by two new housing developments planned for that area, which will bring 90 new rental units to the neighborhood.
After Mount Bowdoin, more stations should be opened on the Indigo Line to bring it more in line with typical rapid transit operation. The following locations, listed in order of priority, comprise the proposed stops: between Southampton Street and Massachusetts Avenue, in the vicinity of South Bay Center; Talbot Avenue, in the vicinity of Codman Square; Blue Hill Avenue, at Mattapan Square; Columbia Road; and River Street.
More Attractive, Secure Stations
One reason that Fairmount branch ridership has been low is that the stations a simply unattrative to potential riders. They are poorly identified from the outside (if at all) and offer little more than an asphalt platform once inside the rail corridor. Having been slapped together as an afterthought - and before ADA - the stations are not handicapped accessible. The stations are also poorly lit, frequently vandalized and usually deserted, which adds to a perception that the stations are unsafe. The stations in use today will need to be upgraded, with greater attention paid to passenger comfort and security. Likewise, new Indigo Line stations should be built to provide a positive station environment, including lighting, signage, architecture and benches.Next: New Vehicles
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This page created 9.9.00, last updated 8.1.01.