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A new initiative is underway to upgrade the Ruggles MBTA station in Mission Hill. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx recently announced a $20 million federal grant to the MBTA, with help from the Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization (MASCO), to make significant infrastructure improvements to the station. Improvements will include a new 800-foot commuter rail platform, new elevators and updates to lighting and signage. These updates will improve the commute for thousands of employees, enhance job opportunities and help the busy station be brought up to the standard of newly renovated stations such as Kenmore, Maverick and Ashmont.
MASCO has been pursuing the idea of updating the station since 2007 when a privately funded study showed the limitations of the station’s current condition. As MASCO Vice President Sarah Hamilton explained, “We advocated with city officials and state legislators to support a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) application in 2013 and garnered letters of support from Mayor Walsh, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, MASCO members, community groups and local developers.”
The project will also bring the station into full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, repair rail tracks and improve the connection between the station and employment, education and cultural centers.
Ruggles station is an urban facility that serves the MBTA commuter rail, bus, Orange Line subway and private bus shuttles, as well as pedestrian and bicycle access. MASCO is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Boston’s Longwood Medical and Academic area (LMA) for the benefit of those who live, work, study or receive care in the area.