MBTA Green Line increases countdown signs

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line will activate additional countdown signs this week at Copley, Arlington, Boylston, Park, Haymarket and North Stations.

 

“These signs provide important information that significantly enhances our customers’ commuting experience,” said MBTA General Manager Frank DePaola. “The oldest subway stations in the United States are now displaying real-time information, letting customers know when they can expect the next train.”

“Bringing the Green Line countdown signs to some of the busiest stations in the downtown area is a major milestone in our efforts to enhance our focus on those who matter the most: our customers,” said Stephanie Pollack, Massachusetts Department of Transportation secretary and chief executive officer. “As a Green Line rider myself, I’m happy to see the improvements that continue to come as a result of the T’s efforts to make our transit system more resilient, reliable and, now, predictable.”

Signs for Copley and Arlington, in both directions, were activated Oct. 6. Boylston and Park St. eastbound will be activated Oct. 7. Haymarket, North Station and Science Park eastbound will be activated on Oct. 9. The westbound platforms at Science Park through Boylston are scheduled to be activated by the end of the year.

The Green Line’s first countdown signs were activated at Newton Centre and Newton Highlands Stations on the D branch in April. The first countdown sign was activated on August 15, 2012. By the end of this week, a total of 367 signs displaying countdown information will be active system-wide.
Over the past few years, the MBTA has made significant progress in providing real-time information to its customers, including real-time service alerts,locations and predictions for buses and heavy rail trains.

The Green Line is the busiest Light Rail line in the country, with 225,000 daily passenger trips. Launching countdowns is the first step in a series of improvements to the Green Line, which includes signal priority at intersections along Commonwealth Avenue and Beacon Street, refurbishment of the oldest 86 trolley cars in the fleet and the complete rebuild of Government Center Station.

 

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