A Red Line Update from Senator John Keenan

Happy New Year from Senator John F. Keenan

Proudly representing the City of Quincy and Towns of Abington, Braintree, Holbrook and Rockland

Dear Friends,

2018 was an extremely busy time at the State House and an even busier one for the Red Line. This newsletter outlines the most recent updates on the $911 million investment targeted to improving Red Line services and the stations in our district.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and for staying engaged. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or issues around the district. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for the honor of serving!

Senator John F. Keenan

Wollaston Scheduled to Open in August

Construction at Wollaston Station is progressing, with the station scheduled to open in August. This reconstruction will make Wollaston Station ADA accessible and will include new elevators, escalators, bathrooms and energy efficient lighting. Until train service resumes, shuttle services from Wollaston to North Quincy and Quincy Center will continue.

As you pass by, you may notice the installation of a new pedestrian bridge, the exterior framing of a new entrance on Newport Avenue, and the installation of a concrete masonry wall along the platform.

For more information on the construction at Wollaston Station and to stay up-to-date on shuttle services, visit the MBTA Wollaston website .

I recently had the opportunity to see the progress at Wollaston Station first-hand with Representative Bruce Ayers, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Quincy Mayor Tom Koch, and the MBTA General Manager. Here are some pictures from our tour.

Quincy Center Garage Demolition Update

Updates are being made to the Quincy Center Red Line Station, including structural safety improvements and repairs to pedestrian walkways. Additionally, the garage at Quincy Center is being demolished to make way for future transit-oriented developments.

For more information on the project and up-to-date hours of operation, please visit the MBTA Quincy Center website .

Fare Increases Expected in July

The MBTA has announced fare increases that will take effect on July 1. These increases will be used to offset the rising costs of providing subway, commuter rail, ferry and paratransit services.

Under the proposal announced this week, regular bus fare would increase by 10 cents to $1.80 and subway fare would increase by 15 cents to $2.40. For a full list of proposed fare changes for subway, commuter rail, bus and ferry services, please visit the MBTA 2019 Fare Proposal webpage .

North Quincy Development Project

Construction is expected to begin the week of February 17 on a new transit-oriented development at North Quincy Station. The project will include 1,500 new parking spaces, a MBTA specific garage for commuter parking, as well as residential and retail units.

While some parking will be displaced throughout this project, over 600 parking spaces will still be available at the North Quincy Station and additional parking will be made available at Wollaston Station until it reopens this summer.

For more information on the project, visit the MBTA North Quincy Garage and Development website .

South Shore Garages Project

Construction is underway at Braintree and Quincy Adams to make both MBTA garages safer, more accessible, and up-to-date. The project is expected to be completed by 2021.

In order to mitigate the loss of parking during this project, additional parking is being provided in both locations. Currently, with construction entering a new phase at Quincy Adams, over 300 additional spots have been added at Braintree and 50 spots have been added at Quincy Adams.

For more information on the project and to stay up-to-date on additional parking, please visit the MBTA South Shore Garages website .

Next Stop: New Red Line Cars and Signal System

Expected to start this year, more spacious Red Line cars with greater ADA accessibility, redesigned hand rails, wider doors and modern LED lighting will replace older models. Additionally, an upgraded signal system will make the Red Line more reliable and will reduce maintenance time and cost.

The signal system is scheduled to be fully installed by 2022, and the full fleet replacement of Red Line cars is scheduled to take place by 2023.

Most importantly, I am here to address your individual issues and concerns, working always to make state government more responsive to those it serves.

Thank you again for staying involved and active. Working together, we will keep Massachusetts moving forward!

Senator John F. Keenan

Office of State Senator John F. Keenan | Website