Originally, the design for the future Four Corners MBTA commuter rail stop was supposed to be simple, a Y-shaped canopy covering a simple station. However, the Greater Four Corners Action Coalition felt like the design should be revamped. After a difficult process, it appears as if the coalition has succeeded.
The Fairmount commuter line will see the addition of four new stations in the coming years.
The redone design features a canopy that resembles more of an A-shape (on both sides of the station), fully enclosed shelters, designated pick up and drop off areas, parking, handicap accessible ramps, and the infrastructure for potential future improvements to the station. These include potential heating for the enclosed waiting areas, and the foundation for an additional canopy. The MBTA is unsure whether the extra canopy (which would be 54-feet) will actually happen, however.
One thing that advocates were not able to get the MBTA to agree to was an elevator at the station. The T sited maintenance and the cost of full time staff to operate it as reasons for its denial.
A new station at Four Corners will be just of several new stations to be built along the Fairmount commuter line. Public meetings concerning the designs of other new stations at Blue Hill and Talbot Avenue with little controversy.
The MBTA has begun regarding this line as a traditional commuter rail line and therefore believes it should be built with the same amenities (or lack of) as other commuter rail stations. -Pamela Bush, a member of the GFCAC
The Four Corners station is expected to bring the most new riders to the line. The overall effort is to make the Fairmout line more like a cross between rapid transit and traditional commuter rail.
Source: Dorchester Reporter
Image: WHDH
Filed under: Boston, Commuter Rail, Dorchester, Massachusetts, Public Transportation
