Commission raises MBTA accessibility concerns during Green Line shutdown and elevator closures

Commission members used the Dec. 9 meeting to raise safety and accessibility concerns tied to MBTA service changes and equipment outages.

Mario Grimanes described a difficult return trip during the Green Line shutdown, citing shuttle routing errors and missed stops that left riders stranded or delayed. "My trip today was horrendous on the return," Grimanes said, and he urged staff and representatives to press the MBTA for better arrangements during extended service outages.

Pauline Purnell advised residents to monitor MBTA service-interruption listings at mbta.com (menu → subway) for up-to-date information on escalator and elevator closures, noting that several stations have equipment out of service for upgrades. Commissioners also reported sanitation and safety problems, saying elevators have been used as restrooms at stations including Government Center and Kenmore, creating hazards for riders who rely on those elevators for accessible routes.

Next steps: commissioners asked staff to follow up where appropriate and to alert constituents to MBTA service pages for trip planning. The transcript records concerns and advice but no formal action or correspondence was filed during the meeting.