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Newton commuter rail station getting a serious upgrade
With a new multimillion-dollar makeover, Newtonville Station will become the city's first fully accessible commuter rail stop.
Newton is slated to get its first fully accessible commuter rail stop after state and local leaders announced they’ve secured $50 million to rebuild Newtonville Station on the Framingham/Worcester Line.
“This is going to be modern, it’s going to be user-friendly, and it’s going to be accessible,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a press conference Monday. “And we’re going to go from one platform that’s accessible only by stairways to two fully accessible, level-boarding platforms on each side of the tracks.”
She said the makeover — paid for with state, MBTA, and federal funds — will allow trains to pass through Newtonville more frequently and efficiently. In a press release, her office noted the station rebuild will include a bridge suitable for wheeled mobility devices, as well as elevators to access the platforms.
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“It’s going to be a station that the community and the commonwealth deserve,” Healey added.
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At the same event, MBTA General Manager Phil Eng noted that, while thousands of riders use Newton’s stations each day, not one of the city’s three commuter rail stations is fully accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“This rebuild is not just about improving infrastructure, it’s about creating a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable community for everyone who relies on the MBTA to get around,” Eng said. “And investing in a stronger, safer, more modern transit system not only benefits Newton, but it also benefits the entire region for generations to come.”
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According to Healey’s office, the rebuild plans include wayfinding signage, bicycle racks, dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas, and improved security features like surveillance cameras, among other upgrades.
In a statement, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called Newtonville Station’s makeover “a permanent, positive game change” for the neighborhood.
“This is a huge leap forward not just for public transportation but also housing, economic opportunity, accessibility, and climate resiliency,” Fuller said. “Everyone will now be able to take the train — people with mobility challenges, parents with a stroller, and travelers with a suitcase.”
The construction timeline remains up in the air as the MBTA evaluates methods of contract procurement, Healey’s office said. Speaking Monday, the governor also noted the announcement comes as transit systems nationwide have struggled to regain ridership following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The MBTA commuter rail is a shining exception, with close to a full return of pre-pandemic ridership,” Healey said. “We brought riders back by delivering better service, and we’re going to continue to work on our improvements.”
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