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Green Line Type 10 Vehicle Mock-Up 10/29/24

November 02, 2024 | By: Robert Ouellette

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MBTA Green line going fully accessible

I went to Boston on 10/29/24 to check out the mock MBTA accessible green line train set up at City Hall Plaza. The mock train was half the size of what it will be when completed at 114 feet, 50% larger than the current green line. They were looking for feedback from the public. They hope to have them rolled out by 2026 and all trains completed by 2031. 

front part of a train

This is the front look of the train.

side of a train and a ramp going in to the train.

This is a picture of half of the train at 57 feet. The ramp shown enters the train where the two wheelchair spaces and two priority seats are located. Spaces are located on the right as soon as you come off the ramp.

side of a train with people on a ramp

On this side, you entered the train with a gap between the train and the platform. Many wheelchair front wheels got stuck in the gap. The plan is to raise the platforms and bridge them with bridge plates at every door to ensure a smooth entrance and exit.

wheelchair ramp

This ramp is operated by the driver to open and close when summoned by a passenger.

two wheelchair spaces and two priority seats on a train

Four wheelchair spaces are located right off the ramp. The space was adequate. A wheelchair could do a full turn when empty; I'm not sure they could if the train was full. There could also be an issue if both wheelchair spaces were taken.

crowded train

A wheelchair can't pass through the filled train to access additional spaces. This forces them to depart the train and reenter through the other door. Will they have time to do this before the train leaves? A vacancy sign may solve this problem.

accessible box for wheelchair ramp, hearing impaired, and signal for the conductor.

The wheelchair button alerts the driver that the ramp needs to be deployed. The driver watches in his camera and deploys and retracts the ramp. Some wheelchair users want the stickers placed above and below the panel so they can see them.

wheelchair ramp button, emergency alert button, and telecoil symbol on a train

All signs and symbols have braille for the visually impaired. There is a Telecoil system for the deaf and hard of hearing. You can turn on your hearing aid telecoil program to broadcast the sound system into your hearing aids.

priority seating on a train

This is priority seating for seniors, people with walkers, crutches, etc. It is not a companion seat. There will be four seats on the green line.

sign for safety on the train

The new Green line has better safety technology with a collision avoidance system and crash energy management. It has a full-coverage interior and exterior CCTV system and real-time vehicle performance monitored by operations.

communication sign for train

Advanced communication systems on trains to update passengers in real time. Passengers will be informed with live-service alerts, displays and announcements for stop updates, and larger, clearer signs for easy navigation.

sign for capacity on a train

The new Greenline will have lower floors and wider doors to facilitate boarding and departing, reduce delays, and keep trains on time. The new train will be 114 feet long, 50% longer than the current fleet.

We were very impressed with the accessibility updates and look forward to our first ride.

If you could make it to the mock-up, I would love to hear your thoughts on the changes. Please leave me a message/email in the contact section. 

While I was there checking out the train, my mom was interviewed by Jeremy Siegel on WGBH about our thoughts on the new system. Check out the interview. 

2 women and a young man in a wheechair on a train posing for a picture
Jeremy Siegel WGBH Interview

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2 Comments

Dec 5, 2024, 4:24:51 PM

Robert Ouellette - Thanks, Sue! I really liked doing this review and giving feedback. I hope the changes help everyone.

Nov 4, 2024, 1:36:14 PM

Sue Drouin - WOW Robert, this is amazing. Your work is going to help SO many people!!! How cool is it to be making a difference Keep up the great work, Sue

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