North Station Concourse To More Than Double In Size

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority General Manager Daniel Grabauskas today announced the commencement of a project that will more than double the size of the North Station waiting area. “A direct result of comments received from many of the thousands of daily Commuter Rail customers who use North Station, the expansion and renovation plans have been put on a fast track,” said Grabauskas. MBTA staff and Delaware North, the owners of the TD Banknorth Garden, have developed a project that is highlighted by a number of customer service benefits: - Significantly enlarged passenger-waiting area with tables, chairs, and benches in a comfortable air-conditioned or heated environment. There will be 20,000 square feet of additional space. - Food & beverage vendors, ATM, shoe shiner, and other service providers. - A large, overhead electronic board with up-to-the minute schedule and track information. - Expanded women’s and men’s restrooms. - Enhancements to improve accessibility and pedestrian flow. “Governor Romney and Lt. Governor Healey have emphasized the importance of enhancing customer service, satisfaction, and convenience on the T,” said Transportation Secretary John Cogliano. “This expansion at North Station will tremendously enhance one of Boston’s largest transit hubs, and it will ultimately attract even more people to the MBTA system.” “This is the next exciting step in our collaboration with the MBTA in the evolution of the North Station site,” said John Wentzell, President of Delaware North Companies – Boston and the TD Banknorth Garden. “These enhancements will improve the experience for daily commuters and Garden patrons alike.” Under the project’s aggressive schedule, the work is to begin in June and end in November. While North Station will remain open during the project, temporary pedestrian walkways will have to be established in order to accommodate the construction activity. “The MBTA greatly appreciates the comments received from many of our loyal customers, and we look forward to providing North Side Commuter Rail users with a first-class railroad station,” said General Manager Grabauskas. “I wish to thank our customers, in advance, for their patience and understanding during the upcoming time of transition.” On a typical weekday, 187 MBTA Commuter Rail trains bring nearly 50,000 passengers into and out of North Station. ###